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UNIVERSITY 
OF  PITTSBURGH 


LIBRARIES 


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HISTORY 

of 


ERIE  COUNTY 

PENNSYLVANIA 


By 
JOHN  ELMER  REED 


IN   TWO   VOLUMES 
ILLUSTRATED 


VOLUME  TWO 


HISTORICAL  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 

Topeka — Indianapolis 

1925 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2009  with  funding  from 

University  of  Pittsburgh  Library  System 


http://www.archive.org/details/historyoferiecou02reed 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


Abbey,   George  J 760 

Acheson,   A.   K 1130 

Ackerman,  Dr.  John 1166 

Adams,  Dr.  Melvin  L 863 

Alberstadt,    E.    P 535 

Alexander,    Cassius    L 964 

Alexander,   Walter   A 639 

Allen,  Dr.  William  G. 1040 

Althof,   Edward   W.   1009 

Althof,   George    T.   1010 

Althof,   Henry   1008 

Althof,  Henry  A.   1009 

Amenta,   Dr.   L.   Joseph   1173 

Anderson,   Alfred   D.   665 

Anderson,   Carl  H.   627 

Anderson,  Dr.  Rollin  H. 749 

Anshutz,  Reed 552 

Anthony,    James    F.    1239 

Arbuckle,  William   I.   801 

Askownes,    Gustave    1250 

Ashton,    Mortimer    S.    1049 

Anstead,  Martin  L. 1207 

Austin,  Ruby  F. 1118 

Avery,  Dr.  F.  E. 759 

Baker,    Isaac    786 

Baldwin,  James 1120 

Bannister,    John    1246 

Barber,    Arthur   W.    1038 

Barker,  James  K. 1225 

Barkey,  Dr.  Peter 695 

Barrett,  Dr.  George  T. 1164 

Barns,    Howard   890 

Barney,  J.  Ross 826 

Barthel,  William  L. 1284 

Barton,  Dr.  Aulrey  J.  T 782 

Battles,  L.  A. 1158 

Battles,   R.    S.    520 

Bauman,    Katherine    W.    817 


Bauschard,  Philip   C.   590 

Beal,  Dr.  Thomas  A. 942 

Becker,  John  A. 1056 

Becker,  Otto  E. 798 

Beckman,   William   R.   1032 

Beckwith,   William   E.   523 

Bemiss,    William    H.    883 

Bennett,  G.  Clyde 911 

Bennett,   James    H.    615 

Benze,    Adolph    L.    1144 

Benze,    Albert   L.    1150 

Benze,   Charles   Theodore 1145 

Benze,  Gustave  A.   1146 

Benze,  Leopold  O. 1148 

Benzing,    George    1205 

Berg,   George 694 

Berry,  Dr.   Ellen  Walker 1282 

Bevins,  Lawrence 1286 

Beyer,  Arthur  H. 823 

Beyer,   Richard  H.   1270 

Biebel,   William  G. 959 

Bieber,   John    F.    1280 

Billingsley,    Harry    1254 

Birkland,   C.   Otto   661 

Blaine,   George   W.   940 

Blair,   C.    L.    899 

Blair,  Frederick  W. 1109 

Blair,  Lloyd  A. 588 

Blair,    Samuel    668 

Blake,  Katherine  Brown 655 

Blakeslee,  Dr.  T.  W. 746 

Blethen,  Eugene  H. 795 

Blodgett,   Francis  B.    560 

Blossom,  Walter  L.   1240 

Bliley,    Charles    F.    1151 

Bliss,   C.    F.    672 

Bliss,  John  H. 581 

Bond,   F.   S.    629 

Bostwick,  DeWitt  C. 938 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


Boughton,  Dr.  G.  C. 698 

Bowman,   Frederick  X. 1061 

Bracken,  O.  W. 1255 

Brandt,  F.  J.   806 

Brennan,  Charles  S. 1199 

Brennan,   Joseph    H.    1234 

Brevillier,  Frederick 780 

Brevillier,  Frederick  A. 781 

Briggs,  Benjamin   E. 1112 

Briggs,   Walter   R.    865 

Brindley,  Zachary  T 1188 

Bristol,  Emery  F. 889 

Britton,   Ray  M.   1203 

Brooks,  John   B.   522 

Brown,    Clyde    F.    978 

Brown,   Isaac   B. ^ 1138 

Brown,  J.  J. 653 

Broughton,    Francis    1224 

Buck,  Robert  M. 1011 

Burch,   Emmett  L.   560 

Burgoyne,   Leo  J.   791 

Burnham,  F.  W.,  Sr. 614 

Burns,  Robert   B.   683 

Burt,  Frank  D. 1030 

Busch,  Lynn  J. 687 

Butt,  Daniel  E. 1215 

Butler,  Frank  J. 1283 

Buys,  John  H. 834 

Cameron,  M.  Agnes 987 

Campbell,  Charles  R. 1236 

Campbell,   Earl   P.    1122 

Canon,  Reuben  V. 1117 

Cantor,  Dr.  Carlton  F. 762 

Carter,  Gerald  N. 671 

easier,  Oliver 993 

Cessna,  Jonathan  B. 1267 

Chaffee,  Dr.  O.  N. 768 

Chaffee,  Helen  Davidson 1241 

Chaffee,   Warren   1021 

Chambers,  Benjamin   F.   849 

Cheeks,  Dr.  Clarence  E. 1163 

Cherry,  Clare  G. 973 

Chidester,  Dr.  Charles  B. 764 

Church,   H.   L.    684 

Citizens  National  Bank  of  Corry, 

The     656 

Clark,  Henry  500 

Clark,  Henry  A. 501 


Cleland,  Dr.  C.  B. 774 

Clough,    Eugene    D.    1026 

Cochanides,   Manuel    1254 

Coburn,  Hubert  E. 563 

Cole,  Phila  Olds 897 

Colegrove,  Arthur  D. 1259 

Collins,  M.  B.     810 

Condon,   C.   D.   1273 

Condren,  Dr.  James  E. 1173 

Constable,  Charles  A. 619 

Continental    Rubber    Works    1156 

Cook,  Charles  E. 680 

Cook,   Edward  H. 1133 

Cooper,   Dr.   Harry  C. 1165 

Cornell,   Earl   R.   1212 

Cornell,   Martin   C.   910 

Covell,  Alvah  W. 688 

Cowles,  W.  P.   633 

Craig,    J.    Reed    554 

Crane  Family,  The 830 

Crawford,   W.    A.    579 

Crawford,  William  T.   881 

Croop,  Dr.  J.  Elmer 1174 

Currie,   Dougald   A.   537 

Culbertson,   William    M.    1058 

Cummins,  C.  R. 1233 

Curtis,   Daniel   G.   540 

Curtis,  Dr.  Harrison  A.   980 

Curtze,    Hermann    J.    1080 

Danielson,   Charles   E.   978 

Darsie,    Burns    645 

Dart,   Walter  A.   1273 

Davis,  M.   Levant 1271 

Davison,    Wesley    1042 

Dawley,  Florence   M. 814 

Detzel,  William  F. 522 

Dear,  Dr.  E.  J. 759 

Deck,  Bernard  M.  818 

Deck,  P.  W. 592 

Delack,   Burton   L.    536 

Deming,   Alton   A.   1088 

Denison,   Howard   H.   1195 

Depinet,  Henry  J. 1247 

Depinet,  John 900 

De  Rosay,  D.  Warren 632 

Devine,  Robert  F. 510 

Devine,  Robert  F.,  Jr. 511 

De  Wolfe,  Mott 893 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


Dickinson,  Dr.  G.  S. 1277 

Diehl,  C.   H.   1286 

Dietz,    Dr.    William    S.    777 

Dill,   Arthur   861 

Dill,  Dr.  William  M. 695 

Dill,  Robert  J. 875 

Dinnison,  Dr.  J.  A.  735 

Dolan,  Dr.  L.  W. 1161 

Doolittle,   Clarence   L.   694 

Downs,   George   R.   574 

Downs,  Stephen  J. 1004 

Doyle,   John   J.    571 

Drake,   Dr.   J.   C.   M.   729 

Drew,    Frank    M.    1060 

Drown,  S.  H. 785 

Drozeski,  Dr.  Edward  H. 737 

Drury,  Carl  M. 1062 

Dugan,  Rev.  Gerald  G. 652 

Dunn,  Dr.  Harrison  A. 697 

Dunn,   Eugene   1123 

Dunn,   Ira   J.    730 

Dunn,   T.   P.   1231 

Dunwoody,  James 664 

Durbin,  Dr.  George  S. 689 

Egan,   William    F.    846 

Eaton,  Charles  C. 531 

Echols,  Monroe 609 

Eckerd,  W.  H. 811 

Edwards,  Stephen  M. 1103 

Edwards,  Vernon   K.   879 

Eichorn,  Theodore 509 

Eisaman,  Howard  G. 1108 

Elber,   Fred   M.   •.._1197 

Eldredge,  Lucius  O. 1086 

Electric   Materials    Co.,   The 1227 

Elliott,    Walter   G.    1096 

Emerman,  Allen  H. 547 

Emerman,   Benjamin   546 

English,    Charles    H.    493 

Engles,  Dr.  Edward  M. 769 

Epp,  William  R.   1238 

Erie  Business  College,  The 649 

Evans,   Benjamin   F.    822 

Evans,  E.  M. 858 

Evans,   James    A.   855 

Everhart,  Dr.  W.  H. 761 

Fairview    Schools    1211 


Falk,  Dr.  Harry  S. 1170 

Farnham,  John   A.   1002 

Farver,   John   B.   1217 

Faulkner,  C.  V. 1194 

Farver,  Harley  W. 956 

Feisler,   Charles   A.    827 

Ferguson,  Albert  W. 690 

Fiero,  Dr.  Charles   N. 1171 

Fincken,    Harriet    Bowen    1239 

Firman,  Robert  J. 816 

First  National  Bank,  Albion 1287 

Fisher,   Christian   A.    1105 

Fisher,  Dr.  Fred,  Jr., 773 

Fisk,  Alpha  J. 1132 

Fletcher,    Milan    D.    1186 

Fluegel,   George    A.   672 

Flury,  Mary  G. 860 

Flynn,  Dr.  Theobald  M.  M. 976 

Forbes,  C.  R. 1208 

Force,  C.  E. 874 

Ford,  Richard  E. 844 

Fordham,  Thomas  J. 691 

Foringer,  Dr.  H.  H 1179 

Forsberg,  Goran  E. 1184 

Fox,  I.   L. 630 

Foye,  Harry 1067 

Frank,  George  K. 880 

Franz,   Jacob    995 

Freeman,  A.  A. 944 

Fry,  Charles  H. 1216 

Fry,  William  H. 1216 

Fuller,  N.  P. 939 

Galbo,  John  J. 607 

Gallanis,    Leo    1283 

Galster,  Dr.  H.  C. 749 

Gamble,  U.  A. 1119 

Gandy,  Howard  W. 1198 

Gannon,    Dr.   Norbert   D.    742 

Gannon,   James   E.   635 

Gerbracht,   G.   M.   821 

Geren,  Harry  O. 1 917 

Gleeton,   Wayne    A.   1206 

Glenn,  Frank  L.   1033 

Gibbons,  Dr.  Robert  L. 758 

Gifford,   William   Pitt   492 

Gingrich,  Walter  W. 495 

Goldman,  Dr.  Benjamin 731 

Gooding,    George    1243 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


Goodwin,    Charles    B.    1023 

Gorman,  Harold  D 1235 

Goss,  Glenn  M. 1074 

Graham,   Gustavus    C.   870 

Graham,  Orson  J. 851 

Graham,   Wilbur  M. 643 

Griffey,  J.  M. 1105 

Griffith,  George  P.   568 

Griffith,  John   729 

Grimshaw,    Fred   943 

Griswold,   Marvin  E.   537 

Griswold,  Matthew 1264 

Griswold,  R.  Todd 593 

Griswold,  Roger  W. 662 

Guerrein,  Carl  C. 834 

Guild,  L.  W. 799 

Gunnison,  Eben  J. 1069 

Hagenlocher,   William    790 

Haibach,  Charles  L. 631 

Hain,  I.  A. 852 

Hall,  Edward  F. 926 

Halloran,  George  A. 883 

Hammond,  Dr.  C.  C. 1169 

Hapgood,  Dr.  C.  H. 1177 

Hard,  Jean  Ashley 519 

Harper,  David,  W. 796 

Hart,   Dr.   Fred   C.   1054 

Hartleb,  Peter 666 

Hartleb,  Phillip 666 

Hartman,  Philip  H.   1185 

Harvey,  Ellis   E. 999 

Hartline,  Harry  G. 1129 

Hatch,   Edwin   W.   752 

Haughney,  Charles  P. 494 

Haughney,  John   R.   494 

Hawkes,   George   1078 

Hay,  James   D.   549 

Hayes,   Edward   525 

Heard,   Dr.   C.   F.   1162 

Heath,  Fred  B. 867 

Henderson,  Charles  H. 1189 

Herbolsheimer,  Henry  C. 1210 

Herbst,    Otto    1115 

Hermann,   Fred   1128 

Herrick,    Cordello    809 

Herrick,  Norton  J. 916 

Hertzler,  Jacob  0. 601 

Hess,  Conrad,  Jr.   936 


Hess,  Dr.   Elmer 984 

Hess,   Walter   1052 

Heuer,    Edward    577 

Hicks,  Dr.  Fred  T. 777 

Hill,   Clyde    C.   556 

Hill,  James  R. 953 

Hill,   Theodore   C.   937 

Hillstrom,  David  A. 989 

Hirt,  John  M. 756 

Hirt,    William    E.    496 

Hitchcock,  Otto  G. 542 

Hober,  Clifford  F. 1040 

Hoffsetter,  Robert  F. 554 

Holden,   Anthony   M.   1046 

Holeman,  Dr.  Ralph  B. 1010 

Hopkins,    Frank    1083 

Hopkins,  Hiram  S. 696 

Hortsman,  Walter  E. 567 

Hosbach,   Franklin   B.   800 

Howell,  Reg  H 784 

Hubbard,   Henry  H.   740 

Hughes,  John  C. 1094 

Hurley,   Joseph    L.   1275 

Hutchinson,   Charles   M.   1095 

Hutchinson,    Dale    950 

Hutchinson,   Ward   E.   954 

Hyer,  Francis  E. 1176 

Ignasiak,  John  A. 905 

Illig,  Frank  J. 692 

Illig,  William   C. 564 

Indich,    Charles    I.    1272 

Inman,  Herbert  D. 1137 

James,   Charles   M 1160 

Janniere,   Dr.  J.   W 1258 

Jarecki,  Alexander   . 538 

Jarecki,    Charles    1189 

Jarecki,   Robert   570 

Jeffs,  Henry  R.   921 

Jenkins,   Frank   E.   893 

Jensen,    Thomas    991 

Jerrell,  Leroy  A 861 

Jiuliante,  Jessamine  S. 576 

Johnson,  Calvin  L. 1099 

Johnson,    Dr.    Earl   B 745 

Johnson,  J.  Arthur 1102 

Jordan,    John    L 1229 

Johnson,  Raymond  A.   1221 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


Kalson,  Dr.  A.  M. 747 

Kaltenback,  George  J 1250 

Kamerer,   Samuel   E.   1031 

Kane,  R.  E. 1127 

Kastner,  E.  J.  R. 653 

Kearney,  J.  P. 1205 

Keim,  A.  E.   658 

Keim,   Henry   F.   1129 

Kellani,  N.  R. 825 

Kellam,   Walter  R.   670 

Keller,  Frank  H. 954 

Kelley,  Joseph  M. 679 

Kelly,  George  L. 833 

Kelsey,  Dr.  James   H. 755 

Kelsey,  E.  A. 1001 

Kelso,   Frank  H.   1132 

Kendall,  Dr.  E.  E. 1045 

Kenyon,  Harry  M.   782 

Keppel,    Ernest    1135 

Keppel,  Henry  M. 804 

Kessler,   Henry    608 

Keystone   Co-operative  Grape  Asso- 
ciation,  The    1265 

Kibler,  Dr.  Charles  B. 977 

Kibler,  William   C.   1053 

Kilburn,  Noah  P.   1006 

Kimmel,  Charles  A. 815 

Kincade,  Franklin  P. 1185 

King,  Henry  F. 1003 

Kirkland,  Clifton  R. 1065 

Klein,   Frank   A.   1024 

Kneib,  Joseph   A.   793 

Koch,    Moses    562 

Koehler,  Dr.  John  J. 785 

Kohler,  Dr.  John  J. 785 

Krack,   Gustave   C.   660 

Krum,  Dr.  A.  G. 741 

Krum,  F.  D. 856 

Kurczewski,    Frank    838 

Kuenzig,  Charles  J. 1274 

Lamb,  Nettie  Olds   897 

Lamberton,  Edwin  H.   572 

Ladd,    Charles    1143 

Lander,  William  H.   1196 

Lane,  Harry  A. 1035 

Lang,   Alfred   P.   847 

Lanston,  John  A.   983 

Laurie,   Frank   967 


Law,  T.  V.   583 

Lawrie,  Robert  W. 744 

Laver,  John   V.   682 

Lee,  M.  H. 903 

Leomhuis,  P.  L. 516 

Leemhuis,  Raymond  P. 517 

Leet,   Frank  R.   621 

Leet,   George    E.    615 

LeJeal,  Charles   H. 857 

Leslie,   Joseph   E.   1178 

Le    Sueur,   Peter   788 

Leuschen,    Peter    904 

Lias,  William  M. 675 

Liebel,  Michael,  Jr. 641 

Liebel,   William  E.   634 

Lick,   Chauncey  V.   974 

Lick,   Dr.   Maxwell   738 

Lininger,  Dr.  Carl  B. 1064 

Little,   Lowell    M.   902 

Lloyd,  Dr.  John  H. 775 

Lloyd,    F.    A.    1057 

Lochner,  C.  N. 793 

Loomis,   Joseph   W.   873 

Lord,   H.    C.   611 

Loveland,    Francis    A.    1258 

Lowe,  Warren  G. 647 

Luke,  Dr.  R.   H.   1175 

Lumbard,    William    J.    697 

Lund,   C.   Harrison   613 

Lyle,   George   M.   1275 

Lyons,    Dr.    H.    E.    776 

McAllister,   Clark    1044 

McBrier,  David  N. 532 

McBrier,  Frederick  B. 535 

McCarthy,   Dr.  F.  P. 750 

McCarty,  F.  B. 1083 

McClelland,   William    E.    685 

McCord,   Ralph   B.    958 

McCumber,   E.   Sears   901 

McCune,  Dr.  Charles  E. 1101 

McElroy,  Leonard  T. 908 

McEntarfer,  A.   D.   1041 

McEnteer,  George  L. 1222 

McFayden,   Alexander   1242 

McFayden,   William   T.   803 

McGavern,  C.   S. 1246 

McGeary,   Charles  P. 648 

McLean,  Allen  H. 594 


8 


BIOGEAPHICAL  INDEX 


McLean,  B.  Courtney 918 

McNary,  Carl  W.   587 

McNeill,  Dr.  Charles  A. 596 

McQuiston,   Ira   D.   1190 

Mackay,  Donald  L. 878 

MacLeod,  William  W. 868 

Madden,  Francis  R. 885 

Magay,  William  J. 813 

Mahoney,  Timothy  J. 820 

Main,   Comer   B.    1034 

Mang,  Archie  W.   854 

Marks,  Harriet  Acheson 1201 

Marks,   Marcus   M.   638 

Mark-wood,  Henry  C. 1276 

Marquis,  Giles   "^28 

Marsh,  Ritchie  T. 497 

Marsh,  W.  Ed. 986 

Marshall,   George   N.    887 

Martin,   Michael   A.    1257 

Martineau,  Cornelius 1036 

Martin,  Joseph  C. 623 

Mason,  Leander  A. 1037 

Mather,  Charles  L. 994 

Maurer,  John   C. 1012 

Mayo,   Otto  J.   1251 

Mead,   James   P.   979 

Mead,  John  J.  Jr. 1233 

Mehaffey,    Thomas    503 

Mehl,  John   V.   678 

Merrick,  Marshall  R. 612 

Merrick,  Walter  H. 996 

Merritt,  W.   P.  Jr.   1237 

Messenkopf,  Charles 618 

Mertens,  Charles  A. 892 

Metcalf,   George   R.,  Jr.   626 

Metzger,  Frank  F. 1047 

Meyer,  H.  Harold 935 

Mielcarek,   Stanley   686 

Miles,  John  F. 1087 

Millar,  Maude  S. 652 

Miller,  Dr.  A.  B. 743 

Miller,  Fred  J. 621 

Miller,  George  A. 842 

Miller,  George  P.   864 

Miller,  Miles  R. 580 

Millet,    Francis    1168 

Mills,  Homer  A.   1098 

Minnig,  C.  J. 919 


Mitchell,  Arthur  W. 808 

Mitchell,   G.   R.    1202 

Moffatt,  Waters  G. 1260 

Mohring,   Frederick   G.   1079 

Moline,  Peter  J. 610 

Montague,  Claude 1234 

Montgomery,  F.  L. 1253 

Mook,  Harold  F. 924 

Moomy,  Harry  E. 663 

Moore,   Edward  C.   561 

Moore,  George  O. 557 

Moorhead,  Dr.  Hugh  M. 636 

Moorehead,  Joseph  Y. 595 

Moorhead,  Robert  J. 597 

Moorhead,   Victor    869 

Morgan,  Philip  H. 1118 

Morris,  Dr.  J.  K. 1229 

Morrison,  Asa  S. 886 

Morrison,  James  M. 1068 

Morrison,   Karl   E.    792 

Morrison,  Kendall  R. 841 

Morton,    E.   J.    843 

Mszanowski,  Dr.  M.  M. 960 

Munger,  Herbert  L. 654 

Munsee,   Ira   B.   1013 

Murray,  John  D. 1077 

Myers,  W.   S. 813 

Nagorski,  Alois 1253 

Nagorski,  Francis  T. 824 

Nash,   Albert   E.   909 

Nash,   Richard  L.   941 

Nason,  Joseph  E. 550 

Nason,    W.    S.    551 

Nelson,   George   B.   794 

Nelson,  Paul  B. 859 

Nelson,  Raymond  W. 1257 

Neuer,  John  J. 637 

Newton,  George  H. 879 

Neyland,  B.  G. 923 

Nichols,  Sumner  E.   667 

Nicholson,    Ezra    513 

Nick,  Edwin  W. 565, 

Noble,  Will 669 

Nollanger,   George    997 

Noonan,   J.   T.    854 

Norman,   Williami  C.   658 

Northrop,  Claude  M. 1028 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


Obermanns,  Henry  F. 676 

O'Brien,  John  E. 850 

Olds,  Lewis  W.   888 

Olds,   Lewis  W. 930 

Olsen,    O.    E.    1244 

Oriole,  Philip  F.   627 

O'Rourke,  James 1039 

Osborne,  Frank  H. 1014 

Otto,    Joseph    877 

Paasch,  Josephine  Moeller 907 

Parker,  Dr.  G.  J. 1214 

Parker,  Louis  H. 871 

Parker,   William   A.   548 

Parsons,  Dr.  P.  P.   757 

Pasqualicchio,  Leonard 726 

Patton,  Dr.  R.  E. 1166 

Patterson,   George   W.   982 

Paul,  Dr.  F.  H. 755 

Payne,  Dr.  Charles 1029 

Payne,  F.  Dana 545 

Payne,  Francis   H.   514 

Peake,   Walter  L.   975 

Perry,  Lytle  F. 609 

Petrillo,  Edward 527 

Phillips,  Louis   802 

Phillips,  Vere  E. 988 

Pierce,  George  E. 934 

Pinks,  F.  O.   1180 

Place,    Claude    D.    1152 

Plate,  Ferdinand  M. 1116 

Pohle,   W.   B.   802 

Purcell,  Dr.  J.  A. 763 

Purcell,  James 508 

Putnam,  Dr.  Burton  H. 865 

Putman,   Emmett  M.   998 

Putts,  Dr.  B.  Swayne 753 

Quinn,  Frank  B. 530 

Quinn,  John  J. 790 

Ramsey,  Myrtle 1213 

Ramsay,  Robert  G. 558 

Randall,  Carlton  M. 924 

Ras,  Frank  K. 1228 

Raymond,  Laverne  H. 1219 

Reed,  Carl  M. 920 

Reed,  Dr.  George  A. 733 

Reed,  J.  E. 969 

Reibs,  Henry  J. 862 

Reichard,  Dr.  S.  Warren 872 


Reichbaum,  Davis 839 

Reichel,  Dr.  Edwin  J. 762 

Reid,  Max  H 870 

Reinoehl,  Dr.  D.  V. 1161 

Renick,  Charles  E. 1154 

Renz,  Dr.  Oscar  W. 852 

Rhea,  Joe  E. 856 

Rhoads,  Ethard  A. 789 

Riblet,  Henry  M. 1072 

Riblet,  Porter  K. 913 

Rice,  C.  A. 657 

Rick,  Thomas  J. 1056 

Rickert-Shafer  Company 586 

Riedel,  Frederick  K. 1036 

Riley,  Guy  S. 996 

Rilling,  Christopher  H. 1066 

Rilling,  E.  L. 544 

Rilling,  John  S 933 

Rilling,  Kemper  W. 670 

Rindernecht,  William  E. 661 

Robertson,  Dr.  J.  F. 771 

Robison,  George  S. 634 

Robinson,  William  J. 604 

Robinson,  William  J.,  Jr. 606 

Rochelle,  Ford  W.,  Jr. 555 

Rodgers,  R.  L. 505 

Roland,  Emanuel  W. 578 

Rose,  Albert  E 539 

Ross,  Dr.  F.  E. 725 

Ross,  Gale  H. 657 

Rossiter,  L.  T 843 

Rossiter,  Samuel  Y 603 

Rossiter,  Uriah  P. 602 

Rosswog,  Robert  J. 584 

Rost,  Daniel  B. 656 

Roth  Cadillac  Company 1136 

Roth,  Dr.  A.  H 693 

Roth,   Gottlieb   1137 

Rowe,  David  S. 1005 

Royer,  Charles  E 840 

Royer,  Joanna  Carey 840 

Russell,  J. 853 

Russell,  James 797 

Rusterholtz,  Harper  G. 647 

Sacred  Heart  Mission  House,  The 1110 

Sallen,  H. 687 

Salisbury,  Archie 1232 

Saltsman,  Robert  J. 640 


10 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


Sammons,  DeWitt  B. 1134 

Sample,  Dr.  R.  J. 1172 

Sapper,  Frederick  W. 968 

Saxer,  A.  P. 1223 

Schaaf,  William  J. 620 

Schaffner,  Morris 1000 

Schaffner,  Jacob 1204 

Schaffer,  William  C 1074 

Schaller,  William  F 1227 

Schaper,  P.  Gustave 1256 

Schilling,  Dr.  J.  W. 754 

Schilling,  Joseph  M 848 

Schlaudecker,  Leo  P 1193 

Schlesinger,  W.  Louis 929 

Schlosser,  Ben 637 

Schlindwein,  Dr.  G.  William 928 

Schluraff,  Helen  M 644 

Schmalenbach,  Dr.  H. 1164 

Schmelzer,  Edward 876 

Schmid,  Frank  J. 1241 

Schmidt,  Fred  C. 544 

Schmidt,  Otto 807 

Schneider,  John 640 

Schreck,  John 495 

Schrimper,  Frank  A. 1150 

Schroeck,  J.  A 1125 

Schweinhardt,  Otto  J. 912 

Scibetta,  Dr.  Samuel  L. 738 

Scott,  E.  H. 1244 

Scott,  Henry  E. 643 

Seabrook,  Wilbur  R. 925 

Search,  LeRoy 1048 

Seavy,  Dr.  L.  E. 1121 

Selden,  Edward  P. 585 

Selkregg,  George  H. 1140 

Sell,  Ernest  F 1022 

Semler,  Frank 1076 

Sevin,  Henry  J. 836 

Shacklett,  Turner  W 490 

Shaw,  Charles  S 1049 

Sheldon,  Dr.  Ralph  V 1176 

Sheldon,  Edmund  W. 543 

Shepard,  Robert  W. 896 

Sherman,  Melvin  Z. 736 

Sherwin,  J.  M 526 

Sherwood,  Dr.  Andrew  J. 1025 

Shipley,  Dr.  Joseph  N 1167 

Shreve,  Joseph  L. 1015 

Shreve,  Milton  W. 1225 


Shutts,  Frank  A 966 

Siegel,  C.  L. 835 

Simmons,  F.  R. 779 

Sims,   Henry   624 

Sinclair,  Robert  B. 593 

Sisson,  A.  Elverton 721 

Sisson,  Spencer  A. 724 

Skellie,  Walter  A. 1220 

Skelton,  P.  M. 1124 

Skelton,  Fred  S. 1123 

Skidmore,  Marion 982 

Skinner,  La  Grand 1270 

Sloan,  Oliver  M. 1050 

Smart,  John  P. 628 

Smiley,  J.  B.  V. 1027 

Smith,  Carlton  W. 985 

Smith,  Eldred  G. 1142 

Smith,  Harry  L. 1207 

Smith,  James  M. 1071 

Smith,  James  O. 1106 

Snyder,  V.  Carl 1193 

Sobel,  Isador 599 

Spaulding,  Dr.  Garner  P. 1192 

Spaulding,  Fred  D. 895 

Spaulding,  Milton 990 

Speed,  James  E. 1131 

Spencer,  William 518 

Spofford,  Thomas  W. 600 

Spooner,  J.  A. 948 

Sprague,  Theodore 748 

St.  Lawrence,  John 524 

St.  Mary's  College 960 

Stackhouse,  Dr.  J.  A. 735 

Stadler,  Joseph  L. 547 

Stark,  Dr.  James  D. 768 

Steadman,  Dr.  H.  R. 770 

Steiger,  George  R. 1279 

Stem,  Dr.  Henry  L. 1007 

Stern,  William  J. 528 

Sterrett,  Andrew  J. 631 

Sterrett,  Thomas  W. 699 

Stevens,  George  W. 659 

Steward,  George  W. 891 

Stewart,  S.  V. 1025 

Stone,  Katherine  M. 1005 

Stoney,  Dr.  George  F. 774 

Stork,  Carl  F. 1262 

Stow,  Walter  K. 971 

Strickland,  Dr.  Charles  G. 727 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


11 


Strong,  Charles  H. 498 

Stuart,  R.  R 1126 

Suerken,  E.  H. 815 

Sullivan,  Humphrey 928 

Sweet,  Dr.  B.  W. 734 

Sweet,  E.  M. 955 

Sweet,  Lewis 1022 

Swenson,  Harry 884 

Swenson,  William 821 

Switzer,  Dr.  J.  W 1169 

Sykes,  Charles  E 906 

Tayntor,  Inez  Olds 898 

Taylor,  Matthew  H. 1182 

Teras,  Charles 1111 

Teudhope,  Alexander 1093 

Thomas,  A.  M. 992 

Thompson,  Clarence  L. 512 

Thompson,  Dr.  Ross  W. 1141 

Thorne,  F.  Howard 1231 

Toivonen,  John 1111 

Totman,  Alma  B. 818 

Towne,  Will  J. 949 

Tredway,  Dr.  T.  Palmer 751 

Trippe,  Dr.  Frank  A. 739 

Trivett,  Jesse  P. 882 

Trost,  Henry  C. 650 

Turner,  W.  S 1097 

Twichell,  Harry  S. 673 

Tyrrell,  Francis  L. 1085 

Umburn,  Dr.  L.  R. 972 

Van  Camp,  Allen  C 1069 

Van  Cleve,  J.  Spencer 588 

Veit,  Albert 846 

Veith,  George  J. 1075 

Vicary,  Arthur  C. 1248 

Viorus  Club,  The 1212 

Von  der  Groben,  Guenther  G. 1063 

Wade,  Dr.  Walter  F. 1119 

Wagner,  Andrew  A. 922 

Wagner,  Samuel  W. 669 

Wait,  Joseph  0 616 

Walbridge,  Andrew  M. 1107 

Waldinger,  F.  J. 1114 

Walker,  A.  Grant 914 

Walker  Brothers 1127 


Walker,  Edward  E. 504 

Walker,  James  D. 783 

Wallace,  Frank  M.   507 

Walling,  Emory  A. 1113 

Walling,  William  B. 1183 

Walsh,  Mary 1196 

Walter,  Harvey  L. 1262 

Ward,  Frank  M. 1084 

Ward,  John  C. 566 

Warren,  B.  L.   1043 

Way,  R.  B. 778 

Weber,  Carl  J. 591 

Weber,  William  F 806 

Weeks,  Frank  L. 989 

Weibel,  Dr.  E.  G. 1282 

Weindorff,  Harry  A. 651 

Weislogel,  Charles  E. 692 

Weislogel,  Roy  E. 692 

Wells,  Benjamin  H. 862 

Werren,  Herbert  A. 1157 

Weschler,  Andrew  P 1237 

Weschler,  Robert  E 832 

Wheeler,  E.  A. 1261 

Wheeler,  Walter  S. 951 

Whiteman,   George    1082 

Whitehill,  James  S. 1280 

Willcox,  Oscar  D. 1055 

Williams,  James  L. 1070 

Williams,  Joseph  C. 828 

Williams,  Joseph  H. 829 

Williams,  John  J. 1187 

Williams,  Nancy  B. 830 

Williams,  Samuel  G. 1062 

Willis,  E.  B. 1285 

Willis,  A.  Hunter 598 

Wilson,   Emmett   C.   894 

Wilson,  Wesley  O. 1200 

Wilson,  Wilbur  E 981 

Wingerter,  G.  B. 1104 

Wolf,  Willis  F.   899 

Woodard,  Harry  O. 1051 

Woodruff,  Thomas  S. 1191 

Woodruff,  U.  Z. 1100 

Worster,  Dr.  Vere  K. 1052 

Wishart,  Dr.  Hager  MacL. 1096 

Wright,  Dr.  John  W. 541 

Wright,  E.  J. 1202 

Wright,  F.  R. 1245 

Wright,  Rial  B. 890 


12 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


Yard,  James  B 772 

Yeager,  William  H 1263 

Yokes,  P.  E. 927 

Young,  Annette 832 

Young,  Jacob  A. 1230 

Young,  Nicholas 689 

Younghans,  Horace  J.  O. 819 

Youngs,  Arthur  F. 1252 

Youngs,  Leonard  G 732 

Yount,  Malcolm  A. 674 


Zachos,  George 1198 

Zeiser,  John  E. 799 

Zink,  Jacob  F. 642 

Zuck,  Arthur  Perry 1016 

Zuck,  Clark  W. 1019 

Zuck,  Bert  C.  1020 

Zuck,  Floyd  J. 1018 

Zurn,  J.  A. 812 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Abbey,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  J 760 

Academy,    Erie    314 

Ajax   Iron   Works,  Corry 439 

Allen,    William    G.    1040 

Althof,   Henry   1008 

Anshutz,  Reed 552 

Arrow  Heads   92 

Baldwin,  James   1120 

Battles,   Charlotte   Webster 520 

Battles,  R.  S. 521 

Battles  Memorial  School 422 

Becker,  John  A. 1056 

Beckman,    Henry    1032 

Benze,  A.  L. 1144 

Benze,   A.   L.    1144 

Benze,   C.  Theodore   1144 

Benze,   G.   A.    1144 

Benze,  L.  O. 1144 

Bieber,  John  F. 1280 

Bliss,  C.  P. 672 

Blair,  Lloyd  A.   588 

Blair,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Samuel 668 

Blossom,  Walter  L.   1240 

Brevillier,    Frederick    780 

Bridge,    Highway    329 

Briggs,  Benjamin   E. 1112 

Broughton,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Francis__1224 
Buehler  House 284 

Campbell,  Charles  R. 1236 

Chaffee,  O.  N. 768 

Chidester,  Chas.  B. 764 

Church,   H.   L.   684 

Church,  M.  E.,  West  Springfield___  463 
Citizens   National   Bank   of   Corry__  656 

Clark,  Henry  A.   501 

Clark,  Henry  and   Sally 500 

Colt,    Judah    236 


Cook,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  W. 680 

Cook  and  Sons'  Mill,  J.  W 681 

Corry  Brick  &  Tile  Co.,  The 441 

Courthouse  Built  in  1824 312 

Courthouse,   Erie   County 64 

Covell,  C.  L. 688 

Curtis,  Daniel  G. 540 

Curtze,  Hermann  J. 1080 

Deck,  P.  W. ^  592 

Delack,    B.    L.    536 

Deming,  A.  A. 1088 

Deming,  Mrs.  A.  A. 1088 

Denison,  Howard  H. 1195 

De  Rosay,  D.  Warren 632 

Dobbins,  Capt.  Daniel 235 

Dock,    Public    315 

Dunwoody,  James 664 

Electric   Materials    Company,  The--1227 

Ellicott,  Gen.  Andrew 235 

Erie   Business    College,   Department 

of     649 

Erie   County,   Map   of 62 

Erie,  First  Survey  of   178 

Farnsworth,   Willard   1252 

Finn,    Richard    S.    1252 

Firman,   Robert   J.   816 

First  National  Bank,  Albion 1155 

Flury,  Jacob 860 

Flury,  Mary  Naomi 860 

Flynn,  Theobald  M.  M. 976 

Forbes,    A.   T.    1208 

Forbes,  C.  R. 1208 

Ford,   Richard   E.   844 

Fort  Le  Boeuf 143 

Fort  Le  Boeuf,  Site  of 140 

Fort  Presque  Isle,  Site  of 174 


13 


14 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Forsberg,  Goran  E.   1184 

Frank,  Geo.   K.   880 

Freeman,   A.    A.    944 

French   Fort 138 

Frontiersmen,  Implements  of 197 

Fry,  Charles  H. 1216 

Gridley,   Capt.   Charles   V. 309 

Griffith,    Geo.   P.    568 

Griswold,  Matthew 1265 

Griswold,   Matthew,    Sr.    1264 

Grubb,  Home  of  Hon.  John 459 

Harper,   David    W.    796 

Hatch,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  E.  W. 752 

Herbolsheimer,   Henry  C. 1210 

Hermann's   Greenhouse   1128 

Hermann,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 1128 

Hess,  Conrad,  Jr. 936 

Hess,  Elmer 984 

High  School,  North  East 425 

High  School,  Union  City 428 

Hill,  Clyde  C. 556 

Hirt,  John   M.    756 

Hirt,  William  E. 496 

Hopkins,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H.  S. 696 

Hosbach,   Franklin   B. 800 

Howell,   R.   H.    784 

Hubbard,  H.  H. 740 

Hyer,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Francis 1176 

Illig,   W.   C.    564 

James,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  M 1060 

Jiuliante,  Jessamine   S. 576 

Keppel,  Henry 804 

Kessler,   Henry    608 

Klein,  Frank  A. 1024 

Kohler,  Arthur  J. 952 

Krack  Family,  The 660 

Lakeland   Hotel   748 

Lamberton,  E.  H. 572 

Lawrie,  R.  W.   744 

Lawrence    Hotel    553 

Leemhuis,   P.   L.    516 

Le  Sueur,  Peter 788 

Leuschen,    Peter    904 


Lighthouse    311 

Lininger,    Carl  Blaine   1064 

Lyons,  H.  E. 776 

McBrier,  David  Nye 532 

McBrier,  Frederick  B. 532 

McBrier,  James 532 

McGeary,  Charles   P. 648 

McNeill,  Dr.  Charles  A. 596 

MacLeod,  William  W. 868 

Mahoney,  Timothy  Jay 820 

Marquis,    Giles    728 

Merrick,  Austin   W.   612 

Mertens,    Charles   A.   892 

Middlebrook    Church    246 

Millar,   Maude    S.   652 

Miller,   George  P.   864 

Miller,   Miles   R.   580 

Millet,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Francis 1168 

Mitchell,   Arthur  Warren 808 

Moorhead,  Dr.  Hugh  M. 636 

Morrison,  Karl  E. 792 

Mounds,    Ancient    71 

Municipal  Building,  Corry 440 

Mszanowski,  M.  M. 960 

Nagorski,   Francis   Thomas    824 

New  France,  Map  of 101 

Niagara,  The 279 

Normal  Hall 376 

Obermanns,  H.  F. 676 

Old  Blockhouse,  Erie 305 

Olds,  Lewis  W.   888 

Oregon  Indian  Medicine  Company_-1153 

Park,  View  of  Corry 438 

Parker,  William   A.   548 

Perry  Boarded,  House  Where 284 

Perry,   Commodore   341 

Perry  Square  in  1838 295 

Pioneer  Home,   A   245 

Place,  Claude  D. 1152 

Portage,  Map  of  French 134 

Postoffice,   Corry   437 

Post  office  and  Library,  Erie 64 

Presque  Isle  Bay,  Map  of 137 

Purcell,  James 508 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


15 


Randall,    W.    S.    1208 

Reed,   Carl   M.   920 

Reed,   Chas.    M.   921 

Reed,  John  Elmer Frontispiece 

Reed,    Seth    — . 236 

Reichard,   S.   Warren   872 

Renz,   Oscar   W.    852 

Rhea,  Joe    E.   856 

Riblet,   Henry   M.   1072 

Rilling,  E.  L. 544 

Robinson,  William  J. 604 

Rosswog,  Robert  J. 584 

Roth-Cadillac    Company,    The 1136 

Royer,  Charles  Edward 840 

Salisbury,  L.  H. 1232 

Saltsman,  Robert  J. 640 

Sapper,  F.  W. 968 

Schaaf,  William  J. 620 

Schaffner,  Morris 1000 

Schilling,  Joseph  M. 848 

Schlindwein,  G.  William 928 

Schluraff  Greenhouse,  Section  of 728 

Schluraff,  Helen  M. 644 

Schmelzer,  Edward 876 

Schweinhardt,  Otto  J. 912 

Search,  LeRoy 1048 

Sevin,  Henry 836 

Shacklett,  Turner  W. 490 

Shepard,  Robert  W 896 

Sherman  and  Family,  M.  Z. 736 

Signatures,  Indian 210 

Sims,  G.  A. 624 

Sims,  H.  W. 624 

Sims,  Henry 624 

Sisson,   A.   E.   721 

Smart,  John  Packard 628 

South  Park,  Girard 377 

Spaulding,  G.  P. 1192 

Spaulding,  G.  W. 1193 


Spoffard,  Thomas  W. 600 

Sprague,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Theodore 748 

St.  John's  Ev.  Lutheran  Church 1147 

St.  Lawrence,  John 524 

St.  Stephen's  Ev.  Lutheran  Church, _1149 

State  Street,  Erie 69 

Steam   Shovel  Company,  Erie 533 

Stern,  W.  J. 528 

Stove,   Old   "Ten-plate" 371 

Sunset  on  Lake  Erie 67 

Swenson,  Harry 884 

Thomas,  A.  M. 992 

Thompson,  C.  L. 512 

Thompson,  V.  M. 513 

Von  Buseck,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Albert  A.1016 

Wait,  J.  O. 616 

Walker,  B.  J. 504 

Wampum  Belt 124 

Washington  Monument 157 

Waterford  Academy 431 

Wayne,  Gen.  Anthony 337 

Weis   Library   460 

Weislogel,  Charles  E. 692 

Williams,  Joseph  C. 828 

Williams,  Joseph  H. 829 

Williams,  Nancy  B. 828 

Wilson,  Home  of  Wesley  O. 1200 

Wilson,  Wesley  O. 1200 

Wingerter,  G.  B. 1104 

Wishart,  Hager  MacL. 1096 

Yard,  James  B. 772 

Young,  Annette 832 

Youngs,  L.  G. 1252 

Youngs,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  L.  G. 732 

Zurn,  J.  A. 812 


Z-^Ta. 


VOLUME  II. 


History  of  Erie  County 


BIOGRAPHICAL  HISTORY— CONTINUED 


A.  Elverton  Sisson,  who  ranks  among  the  prominent  attorneys  of 
Erie  County,  was  born  at  Dayton,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  12,  1851,  being  the  son  of 
Nathaniel  and  Sahna   (Phillips)   Sisson. 

The  Sisson  family  is  of  English  descent,  having  settled  in  that  coun- 
try in  1066,  and  having  held  New  England  residence  since  1640.  The  first 
American  ancestor  was  Richard  Sisson,  born  in  1608,  who  came  to  America 
soon  after  the  landing  of  the  "Mayflower."  He  settled  at  Portsmouth, 
R.  I.,  where  he  possessed  lands  that  long  remained  in  the  family.  He 
afterward  became  owner  of  large  tracts  of  land  in  Dartmouth,  Mass.,  his 
death  occurring  in  1684.  James  Sisson,  son  of  Richard  Sisson,  from 
whom  A.  Elverton  Sisson  is  of  the  sixth  generation  in  descent,  married 
Lydia  Hathaway,  daughter  of  Arthur  and  Sarah  (Cook)  Hathaway.  John 
Cook,  father  of  Sarah,  and  Francis  Cook,  father  of  John  Cook,  were  pas- 
sengers on  the  Pilgrim  vessel  Mayflower,  while  the  maternal  grandmother 
of  Lydia  Hathaway,  Sarah  (Warren)  Cook,  was  a  daughter  of  Richard 
Warren,  who  also  sailed  on  that  vessel.  Most  of  the  Sissons  of  early 
years  were  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends.  James  Sisson,  of  the 
second  American  generation,  was  a  collector  of  taxes  for  the  Massachu- 
setts town  in  which  he  lived,  and  suflfered  imprisonment  because  he  would 
not  collect  the  Church  of  England  tax. 

Nathaniel  Sisson,  great  grandfather  of  A.  Elverton,  was  a  native  of 
Dartmouth,  Mass.,  bom  Nov.  11,  1756,  and  died  at  Queenstown,  N.  Y., 

721 
(46) 


722  History  of  Erie  County 

on  May  10,  1840.  His  wife,  Grace  Gifford,  was  also  a  native  of  Dart- 
mouth, Mass.,  born  Sept.  16,  1761,  and  died  at  Queenstown,  on  Sept.  4, 
1843.  The  grandfather,  Benjamin  Sisson,  born  Jan.  22,  1791,  was  a 
native  of  Queenstown,  and  died  at  Brant,  N.  Y.,  in  1874.  In  1820  Benja- 
min Sisson  moved  from  Queenstown,  N.  Y.,  where  his  father  had  settled 
at  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  established  a  home  near 
Buffalo.  For  many  generations  the  majority  of  the  Sisson  family  were 
Quakers,  but  Benjamin,  the  grandfather,  was  debarred  from  the  church, 
as  he  had  married  Sally  Ferris,  a  woman  outside  the  faith.  Nathaniel, 
father  of  A.  Elverton  Sisson,  was  a  farmer  and  a  native  of  Erie  County, 
N.  Y.,  born  in  1821,  his  wife,  Salina  Phillips,  being  born  near  Glens 
Falls,  N.  Y.,  in  1819.  Mrs.  Sisson  was  a  daughter  of  Samuel  D.  and  Han- 
nah (Wing)  Phillips.  The  Wing  family,  on  the  maternal  side,  was  also 
identified  with  the  Society  of  Friends,  and  was  long  established  at  Glens 
Falls,  and  Sandy  Hill,  N.  Y.,  whither  different  members  had  moved  from 
Massachusetts,  prior  to  the  migration  of  the  Sisson  family.  In  1854 
Nathaniel  Sisson  settled  in  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  and  five  years  later 
moved  to  Springfield,  Erie  County,  where  he  died  in  1885.  His  first  wife 
passed  away  in  1851,  the  year  of  the  birth  of  A.  E.  Sisson,  of  this  sketch. 
A.  Elverton  Sisson  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools  of 
Crawford  and  Erie  County  and  at  the  Kingsville,  Ohio,  Academy,  the  West 
Springfield,  Pa.,  Academy,  and  the  North  East,  Pa.,  Seminary.  He  taught 
school  and  was  in  business  a  short  time,  then  began  the  study  of  law,  and 
in  1881  gained  admission  to  the  bar  of  Erie  County,  and  almost  from  the 
start  gained  favor  as  an  attorney.  His  political  activities  began  early 
and  in  1885  and  1886  he  held  the  chairmanship  of  the  Republican  County 
Committee,  the  following  year  being  elected  prosecuting  attorney  of  Erie 
County.  He  succeeded  himself  in  this  office  through  reelection  in  1890, 
his  being  the  first  instance  in  which  a  prosecuting  attorney  of  Erie  County 
had  been  elected  for  two  successive  terms.  In  1900  he  became  the  candi- 
date of  his  party  (Republican)  for  state  senator,  was  elected  and  re- 
elected in  1904  and  again  in  1908,  thus  setting  a  new  mark  as  being  the 
first  senator  from  the  Erie  district  to  hold  a  seat  in  the  Senate  for  three 
successive  terms.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  session  of  1907  he  was  elected 
president  pro  tempore  of  the  Senate  and  again  became  presiding  officer  of 
that  body  of  the  Legislature  in  1909.  During  the  special  session  of  the 
Senate  in  1906  he  served  as  a  member  of  the  committee  investigating  the 
state  insurance  department  and  in  1909  was  chairman  of  the  committee 


History  of  Erie  County  723 

on  railroads,  and  a  member  of  the  commission  created  at  the  session  of 
that  year  to  investigate  all  transactions  in  connection  with  the  building 
and  furnishing  of  the  Pennsylvania  State  Capitol,  and  several  men  were 
sent  to  the  penitentiary  as  a  result  of  this  investigation.  President  of 
the  Senate,  a  member  of  the  most  important  senatorial  committee,  and 
one  of  the  leaders  of  his  party,  Mr.  Sisson  displayed  rare  political  genius 
and  wrote  boldly  a  record  of  public  service  that  will  long  endure. 

Mr.  Sisson  was  elected  auditor  general  of  Pennsylvania  on  Nov.  2, 
1909,  having  been  the  unanimous  choice  of  his  party  for  that  office.  At 
the  notification  meeting  informing  Mr.  Sisson  of  his  nomination  for  this 
office,  the  chairman  of  the  meeting  spoke  in  part  as  follows:  "Senator 
A.  E.  Sisson,  you  are  the  unanimous  choice  of  the  Republicans  of  Penn- 
sylvania for  the  office  of  auditor  general.  There  existed  special  reasons 
for  your  selection  for  the  office.  You  have  an  excellent  reputation  as  a 
lawyer,  your  capacity  and  integrity  as  a  business  man  are  generally  recog- 
nized, as  legislator  of  wide  experience  for  years,  you  have  been  identified 
with  public  affairs.  You  are  familiar  with  the  duties  of  auditor  general 
and  no  other  man  in  this  state  possesses  higher  qualifications  for  the  per- 
formance of  those  duties.  You  are  a  public  spirited  and  progressive  citi- 
zen and  your  selection  by  the  convention  should  be  enthusiastically  i-ati- 
fied  at  the  polls."  The  fulfillment  of  the  above  prediction  is  now  a  matter 
of  history  and  Mr.  Sisson's  efficient  administration  of  the  office  has  added 
to  the  lustre  of  his  achievements  in  public  life  and  has  given  a  new  appre- 
ciation of  generous  talents  already  recognized.  In  1920  he  was  again 
elected  to  the  state  Senate,  and  his  term  expired  with  1924.  In  1907 
he  succeeded  in  securing  an  appropriation  from  the  state  of  Pennsylvania 
of  $150,000  for  constructing  and  building  the  "public  steamboat  landing 
or  wharf  upon  state  lands  of  the  Port  of  Erie,  by  producing  State  Street 
northwardly  into  the  harbor  commencing  on  the  north  side  of  the  public 
dock  at  the  foot  of  State  Street  in  the  City  of  Erie,  and  extending  north- 
wardly about  600  feet,  and  100  feet  in  width,  to  the  harbor  line  estab- 
lished by  the  U.  S.  engineer."  The  splendid  dock  at  the  foot  of  State 
Street  is  the  result  of  this  legislation  secured  by  the  then  Senator  Sisson. 

In  1909  and  1911,  he,  with  others,  secured  the  enactment  of  legisla- 
tion in  Pennsylvania  that  brought  about  the  building  of  the  splendid 
Perry's  Victory  Memorial  at  Put  In  Bay,  commemorating  the  victory  won 
by  Commodore  Perry  and  his  fleet  at  the  Battle  of  Lake  Erie,  and  in  1913 
he  was  instrumental  in  securing  an  appropriation  by  the  state  of  Penn- 


724  History  of  Erie  County 

sylvania  of  the  sum  of  $150,000  for  raising  and  restoring  the  brig  "Ni- 
agara" and  "the  erection  of  a  permanent  marker,  arch  or  memorial  at 
the  city  of  Erie,  Pa.,  commemorating  the  building  of  the  fleet  at  that  place, 
as  well  as  the  splendid  manner  in  which,  in  the  hands  of  the  brave  Com- 
mander Perry  and  the  gallant  men  who  fought  with  him,  it  performed  its 
errands  at  the  Battle  which  followed  its  construction,"  and  in  1921,  when 
a  member  of  the  Senate,  he  prepared,  introduced  and  aided  by  Hon.  J. 
Reed  Craig,  member  of  the  House  from  Erie,  secured  the  enactment  into 
law  of  a  bill  providing  that  the  Presque  Isle  peninsula  and  certain  water 
property  in  the  Bay  of  Presque  Isle  "be  preserved,  maintained,  improved, 
enlarged,  and  forever  held  as  a  public  park,  to  be  known  as  Pennsylvania 
State  Park  at  Erie." 

Mr.  Sisson  was  president  of  the  Pennsylvania  Perry's  Victory  Cen- 
tennial Commission  and  treasurer  general  of  the  Interstate  Board  of 
Perry's  Victory  Commissions,  the  latter  of  which  built  the  splendid  monu- 
ment at  Put  In  Bay,  Ohio,  and  now  that  board  and  commission  has  become 
a  national  commission  and  he  is  vice  president  of  it.  He  took  a  very 
active  part  with  others  in  bringing  about  the  erection  of  that  memorial, 
which  has  now,  by  act  of  Congress,  been  made  a  national  memorial.  He 
was  a  member  of  the  Pennsylvania  Historical  Commission  and  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Pennsylvania  State  Bar  Association,  the  Historical  Society  of 
Pennsylvania,  the  Pennsylvania  Society  of  New  York,  the  Erie  Club,  the 
Harrisburg  Club  of  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  and  the  Elks  Lodge  of  Erie.  He  is 
affiliated  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  has  taken  an 
active  interest  in  all  these  organizations,  availing  himself  of  the  special 
benefit  of  each  as  often  as  possible. 

On  Dec.  13,  1888,  Mr.  Sisson  married  Miss  Lena  L.  Spencer,  daughter 
of  Dr.  H.  A.  Spencer,  a  leading  physician  of  Erie  for  a  number  of  years. 
They  have  a  son,  Spencer  Alec  Sisson,  a  practicing  attorney  of  Erie. 

Spencer  Alec  Sisson,  son  of  A.  Elverton  Sisson  and  Lena  L.  (Spencer) 
Sisson,  was  born  in  Erie,  Nov.  2,  1889.  He  completed  his  public  school 
course  with  graduation  from  Erie  High  School  in  1908,  going  thence  to 
Princeton  University,  there  receiving  his  Bachelor's  degree  with  the  class 
of  1912.  Choosing  the  profession  of  law,  he  entered  Harvard  Law  School, 
whence  he  was  graduated  LL.  B.  in  the  class  of  1915.  In  the  autumn 
following,  Mr.  Sisson  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  Erie  County  and  on 
Feb.  14,  1916,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Pennsyl- 


History  of  Erie  County  725 

vania.  He  began  practice  with  his  eminent  father  and  so  continued  until 
Dec.  6,  1917,  renewing  the  affiliation  in  November,  1919,  under  the  firm 
name  of  A.  E.  &  S.  A.  Sisson,  of  Erie. 

Mr.  Sisson  enlisted  in  the  United  States  Naval  Reserve  Force,  Dec. 
6,  1917,  and  was  released  from  active  duty  April  10,  1919,  serving  in  the 
supply  corps  with  the  rank  of  ensign. 

He  is  a  Republican  in  politics  and  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  of  Erie.  He  is  a  member  of  the  American  Legion,  the 
Pennsylvania  and  the  Erie  County  Bar  associations,  the  University  Club 
and  the  Kahkwa  Club  of  Erie. 

At  Malletts  Bay,  Vt.,  on  Aug.  11,  1917,  Mr.  Sisson  was  married  to 
Miss  Marguerite  Amy  Nash,  the  daughter  of  George  and  Isabelle  (Mar- 
shall) Nash.  They  have  a  daughter,  Lois  Marshall  Sisson,  born  at  Erie, 
Jan.  25,  1921,  and  a  son  George  Spencer  Sisson,  born  likewise  at  Erie, 
on  Nov.  1,  1922. 

Dr.  F.  E.  Ross,  physician  of  Erie,  who  has  practiced  his  profession 
for  25  years,  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  born  at  Waterford, 
Dec.  2,  1872,  and  is  the  son  of  L.  M.  and  Nancy  Jane  (Lunger)  Ross. 

L.  M.  Ross,  deceased,  was  born  at  Waterford,  Pa.,  in  1841.  He  was  a 
son  of  James  S.  Ross,  who  died  in  1885.  He  moved  to  Waterford  Town- 
ship in  1851  and  was  engaged  in  lumbering  for  some  time.  His  wife  was 
Sarah  Ann  Wilson,  a  native  of  Vermont.  L.  M.  Ross  was  a  farmer  in 
early  life  and  later  engaged  in  the  threshing  business.  He  died  in  Janu- 
ary, 1921,  and  his  wife  died  in  October,  1919.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ross,  who 
were  married  at  Waterford,  Pa.,  in  1863,  had  two  children:  Hattie  Eliz- 
abeth Wells,  born  in  1863,  lives  at  Waterford,  Pa.;  and  Dr.  F.  E.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

After  receiving  his  preliminary  education  in  the  schools  of  Water- 
ford, from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1894,  Dr.  F.  E.  Ross  entered  the 
medical  school  of  the  University  of  Buffalo,  from  which  he  received  his 
degree  in  1897.  The  following  year  was  spent  in  the  Buffalo  General 
Hospital  and  in  1899  Doctor  Ross  came  to  Erie  and  established  his  prac- 
tice at  137  East  Eighth  Street.  After  seven  years  he  removed  to  2012 
Peach  Street,  later  to  154  West  Eighth  Street,  and  in  1919  he  located 
at  his  present  address,  13414  West  Ninth  Street.  Since  1912  Doctor 
Ross  has  specialized  in  pediatrics,  after  having  spent  a  year  in  study  at 
the   Children's  Hospital  in  Boston.     He  has  been  connected   with   the 


726  History  of  Erie  County 

staff  of  Hamot  Hospital  for  18  years  and  is  also  a  member  of  St.  Vincent's 
Hospital  staff. 

On  June  20,  1901,  Doctor  Ross  was  married  to  Miss  Myrtice  E. 
Watson,  a  native  of  New  York  and  a  daughter  of  Stephen  and  Emma  E. 
(Bull)  Watson.  To  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Ross  three  sons  have  been  born: 
Cecil  E.,  born  Dec.  7,  1902,  a  student  at  Allegheny  College;  Everett  L., 
born  June  17,  1907,  a  student;  and  Robert  W.,  born  Sept.  21,  1912. 

Doctor  Ross  is  identified  with  the  Medical  Society  of  Erie  County,  the 
Pennsylvania  Medical  Society,  and  the  American  Medical  Association, 
Erie  Clinical  Society  and  Erie  General  Dispensary.  He  and  his  family 
hold  membership  in  the  First  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  arid  are  well 
and  favorably  known  in  the  community. 

Leonard  Pasqualicchio,  president  of  the  Bank  of  Italy,  is  a  represen- 
tative business  man  of  Erie.  He  was  born  at  Troia,  Italy,  April  28,  1886, 
and  is  the  son  of  Pasquale  and  Josephine  Pasqualicchio.  The  Pasqualic- 
chio family  came  to  America  in  1891.  The  father  and  mother  are  both 
deceased. 

Leonard  Pasqualicchio  worked  his  way  through  school  as  a  printer's 
boy.  He  attended  the  public  schools,  was  graduated  from(  the  high 
school  of  Brockwayville,  Jefferson  County,  Pa.,  and  was  also  gradu- 
ated from  the  State  Normal  School  at  Clarion,  Pa.,  in  1905.  The  follow- 
ing 10  years  were  spent  in  the  printing  business,  after  which  Mr.  Pas- 
qualicchio was  appointed  Italian  court  interpreter  for  Clarion,  Jefferson 
and  Elk  counties.  Pa.  In  1908  he  went  to  Corry,  Pa.,  where  he  was 
connected  with  the  Evening  Journal  for  five  years.  During  that  time  he 
was  appointed  probation  officer  by  Judge  Walling.  In  1913  he  was  ap- 
pointed court  interpreter  for  Erie  and  removed  to  Erie  at  this  time. 
Later,  with  his  brother  he  became  interested  in  the  wholesale  grocery 
business,  the  business  being  known  as  Pasqualicchio  Bros.  This  partner- 
ship was  dissolved  in  1919,  our  subject  taking  over  the  real  estate  repre- 
sentatives of  the  steamship  lines  and  foreign  exchange  end.  Mr.  Pas- 
qualicchio continued  in  this  business  until  the  organization  of  his  bank 
in  1921.  The  Bank  of  Italy  is  a  private  bank  under  state  supervision.  It 
has  had  a  steady  growth  and  at  the  end  of  the  year,  1924,  had  assets 
amounting  to  §184,791.70.    It  is  located  at  444  West  18th  Street. 

On  Dec.  10,  1906,  Mr.  Pasqualicchio  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Lucille  Aquilino,  of  Troia,  Italy.    They  have  four  children:     Leonard,  Jr., 


History  of  Erie  County  727 

a  student  at  Academy  High  School;  Louisa,  also  a  student  at  Academy 
High  School;  Dora  and  Robert. 

In  politics  Mr.  Pasqualicchio  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Sons  of  Italy, 
Italian  National  Club,  and  the  Italian  Business  Men's  &  Professional  Club. 
He  was  an  active  war  worker  during  the  recent  World  War,  being  promi- 
nent in  the  various  Liberty  Loan  Drives,  as  well  as  a  four  minute  Speaker, 
appointed  by  the  late  President  Wilson.  Mr.  Pasqualicchio  is  an  enter- 
prising and  energetic  business  man  and  well  known  throughout  Erie 
County. 

Mr.  Pasqualicchio  is  the  authorized  representative  of  the  Banca  Com- 
merciale  Italiana,  of  Naples,  Italy,  one  of  the  largest  banking  institutions 
of  the  kingdom  of  Italy. 

Through  Mr.  Pasqualicchio's  activities  during  the  World  War  in  bene- 
fit of  the  Italian  Red  Cross,  he  received  a  special  decoration  and  a  First 
Degree  Diploma  by  the  Italian  government.  Red  Cross  Department. 

Dr.  Charles  G.  Strickland,  a  leading  physician  and  surgeon  of  Erie, 
with  offices  at  153  West  Seventh  Street,  was  born  here,  and  is  the  son 
of  the  late  Dr.  David  Hayes  Strickland. 

Doctor  Strickland  was  graduated  from  Erie  High  School  in  the  class 
of  1897  and  in  1904  received  his  medical  degree  at  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania.  The  following  two  years  were  spent  in  Philadelphia  hos- 
pitals and  in  1906  Doctor  Strickland  came  to  Erie  and  engaged  in  the 
practice  of  his  profession  with  his  father  at  702  Sassafras  Street.  His 
father  spent  40  years  here  in  the  practice  of  medicine  and  met  with 
unusual  success.  Doctor  Strickland  specializes  in  obstetrics  and  gynae- 
cology. He  is  an  ex-president  of  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society  and  is 
a  member  of  the  American  College  of  Surgeons. 

On  Oct.  29,  1907,  Dr.  Strickland  was  married  to  Miss  Clara  L.  Walker, 
the  daughter  of  B.  F.  Walker,  late  vice  president  of  the  Erie  Malleable 
Iron  Works.  They  have  two  children:  Benjamin  W.,  born  in  November, 
1908,  a  student  at  the  Choate  School,  Wallingford,  Conn.;  and  Jane  G., 
born  in  May,   1911. 

Doctor  Strickland  is  a  member  of  the  Park  Presbyterian  Church, 
has  served  as  president  of  the  Erie  Club  and  the  Kahkwa  Club,  is  vice 
president  of  the  Marine  National  Bank,  and  is  a  director  of  the  Erie  Bolt 
&  Nut  Company  and  of  the  American  Sterilizer  Company. 


728 


History  of  Erie  County 


Giles  Marquis,  vice  president  of  the  Schluraff  Floral  Company,  was 
born  on  the  Isle  of  Guernsey,  Dec.  30,  1878,  and  is  a  son  of  Giles  Clark 
and  Lydia  (Martel)  Marquis. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Giles  Clark  Marquis,  residents  of  the  Isle  of  Guernsey, 
are  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Sidney,  engaged  in  the  green- 
house business  with  his  brother,  Giles ;  Walter,  lives  at  home  with  his  par- 
ents; and  John,  who  was  killed  during  the  World  War  while  serving  with 
Guernsey's  forces  under  English  command. 


A  CARNATION  ROOM,  SCHLURAFF  FLORAL  COMPANY 

Giles  Marquis  left  his  native  land  in  1905  and  located  in  Canada,  where 
he  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  and  also  conducted  a  greenhouse  until 
1912.  He  has  since  lived  in  Erie  and  for  the  past  ten  years  has  been 
associated  with  the  Schluraff  Floral  Company.  He  has  complete  charge 
of  the  large  greenhouses  on  West  Lake  Road  and  is  recognized  as  an  au- 
thority on  flower  and  plant  life.  The  greenhouses  of  the  Schluraff  Floral 
Company  cover  35,000  square  feet.  They  have  a  wholesale  and  retail 
store  at  30  West  Eighth  Street. 

Mr.  Marquis  is  a  Republican  and  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  church. 
He  has  an  extensive  acquaintance  in  Erie  and  stands  high  in  the  com- 
munity. 


GILES   MARQUIS,    VICE-PRESIDEXT 
SCHlLURAFF    FLORAL  COMPANY 


History  of  Erie  County  729 

John  Griffith  is  a  leading  business  man  of  Erie,  where  he  has  had 
the  agency  for  the  Franklin  automobile  since  1910.  He  was  born  in  Eng- 
land, June  2,  1882,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Mary  (Owens)  Griffith. 

John  Griffith,  deceased,  brought  his  family  to  this  countiy  in  1883 
and  settled  in  Erie,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  as  blacksmith.  There 
were  five  children  in  the  Gi'iffith  family:  Will,  Robert,  John,  Hugh  and 
Jeanette. 

After  completing  his  schooling  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie,  John  Grif- 
fith entered  the  employ  of  the  Jarecki  Manufacturing  Company.  He  was 
later  employed  by  the  Erie  Pail  Factory,  the  Simmons  Bros.,  the  Epp 
Bros.  Furniture  Company,  and  Murphy  Bros.  He  remained  in  the  employ 
of  the  latter  concern  for  seven  years  and  received  his  experience  in  the 
automobile  business  with  that  company,  who  were  then  the  local  Franklin 
dealers.  Mr.  Griffith's  business,  which  is  located  at  419  West  5th  Street, 
is  among  the  up-to-date  agencies  of  the  city.  He  has  an  attractive  sales- 
room and  a  fine  garage  in  connection. 

On  April  9,  1902,  Mr.  Griffith  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Anna 
Lundgren,  of  Sweden.  They  have  one  daughter,  Nathalie,  attending  the 
Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  University. 

Mr.  Griffith  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  be- 
longs to  the  Automobile  Association  of  Pennsylvania,  the  Erie  Auto 
Dealers  Association  and  the  Board  of  Commerce.  He  has  an  extensive 
acquaintance  and  is  highly  esteemed  in  Erie. 

Dr.  J.  C.  M.  Drake,  who  has  ranked  among  Erie's  leading  physicians 
and  surgeons  for  many  years,  is  a  native  of  New  York.  He  was  born 
at  Panama,  Chautauqua  County,  June  24,  1855,  and  is  the  son  of  Col. 
Jeremiah  C.  and  Clara  (Utley)  Drake. 

Col.  Jeremiah  C.  Drake,  deceased,  was  a  descendant  of  one  of  the 
earliest  families  of  New  England.  His  father  was  a  colonel  of  militia  and 
his  grandfather  was  a  captain  in  the  Revolutionary  War.  His  ancestors 
were  among  the  first  settlers  of  the  Empire  State,  and  were  descendants 
of  the  renowned  Sir  Francis  Drake,  the  first  circumnavigator  of  the  globe. 
Colonel  Drake  was  born  at  Salisbury,  N.  Y.,  April  19,  1824.  At  an  early 
age  he  embraced  religion  under  the  Harmony  Baptist  Association,  and 
throughout  his  life  adhered  with  his  whole  heart  and  soul  to  his  faith. 
He  was  graduated  from  Rochester  University  in  1852  and  also  during 
that  year  was  ordained  pastor  of  a  church  which  he  had  organized  at 


730  History  of  Erie  County 

Churchville,  N.  Y.  Later  he  had  a  pastorate  at  Westfield,  N.  Y.,  and  at 
the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War  he  joined  the  49th  New  York  Infantry  as 
a  captain  under  the  Command  of  Col.  D.  D.  Bidwell.  In  the  fall  of  1862 
he  was  commissioned  colonel  in  charge  of  the  112th  Regiment  and  during 
his  subsequent  two  years  of  service  he  was  distinguished  for  his  courage 
in  action.  During  the  battle  of  Cold  Harbor  he  was  mortally  wounded 
and  died  the  following  day,  June  2,  1864.  His  wife  is  also  deceased.  To 
Col.  J.  C.  and  Clara  (Utley)  Drake  were  born  three  children:  J.  C.  M., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch ;  Mrs.  Jennie  Leakey,  resides  in  France ;  and 
Charles  K.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  14  years. 

Dr.  J.  C.  M.  Drake  attended  Greylock  Institute,  Mass.,  after  which 
he  entered  Cornell  University,  taking  a  literary  and  scientific  course. 
After  two  years  he  entered  Hahnemann  College,  Chicago,  and  was  grad- 
uated from  there  in  1880,  when  25  years  of  age.  After  practicing  a  year 
at  Westfield,  N.  Y.,  in  connection  with  Dr.  George  W.  Seymour,  he  came 
to  Erie,  and  has  since  been  identified  with  the  practice  in  this  city.  He 
has  been  president  of  the  Erie  County  Homeopathic  Medical  Society,  and 
IS  a  member  of  the  County,  State  and  National  societies.  Since  1895 
Doctor  Drake  has  maintained  his  office  at  720  Sassafras  Street. 

On  June  4,  1890,  Dr.  Drake  was  married  to  Miss  Cassie  Crouch,  the 
daughter  of  J.  B.  and  Frances  (Cook)  Crouch,  the  former  a  prominent 
miller  in  Erie  for  many  years.  Mrs.  Drake  has  a  sister,  Mrs.  Florence 
Evans,  who  lives  at  Wabash,  Ind.  To  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Drake  were  born 
two  children:  Benson,  born  Feb.  20,  1891,  lives  at  Jacksonville,  Florida; 
and  Clara  Louisa  Criswell,  born  Feb.  10,  1893,  lives  in  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Doctor  Drake  attends  the  Park  Presbyterian  Church  and  is  a  repre- 
sentative citizen  of  Erie  County. 

Dr.  Ira  J.  Dunn,  who  ranks  among  the  leading  physicians  and  surgeons 
of  Erie,  is  a  native  of  Crawford  County,  Pa.  He  was  born  Nov.  12,  1863, 
and  is  the  son  of  Holton  D.  and  Diantha  (Curtis)  Dunn,  natives  of  Penn- 
sylvania. Their  family  consisted  of  four  children:  Lizzie  R. ;  Thomas 
D.,  a  physician;  Ira  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Arthur  D.,  Dunn, 
a  prominent  physician  of  Omaha,  Nebr. 

Dr.  Ira  J.  Dunn  received  his  college  preparatory  education  in  the  pub- 
lic schools  of  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  and  in  1881  entered  Allegheny  Col- 
lege at  Meadville,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1886.  He  then  accepted 
the  principalship  of  the  Linesville  public  schools,  where  he  remained  one 


History  of  Erie  County  7S1 

year,  and  in  1887  he  resigned  the  same  and  entered  the  medical  depart- 
ment of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  At  the  end  of  the  year  he  tem- 
porarily abandoned  his  medical  studies  and  accepted  the  professorship  of 
Latin  in  the  First  district  normal  school  of  West  Chester.  He  remained 
there  one  year,  when  he  returned  to  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  and 
in  1891  was  graduated  from  the  medical  department.  He  then  became 
assistant  surgon  in  the  Miner's  State  Hospital  at  Hazelton,  Pa.  He 
remained  there  about  six  months,  when  he  resigned  and  began  a  special 
course  on  the  eye.  In  March,  1892,  he  was  appointed  assistant  physician 
at  the  State  Hospital  at  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  and  after  nearly  a  year  in  that 
institution  he  returned  to  Philadelphia  and  took  a  special  course  at  the 
Philadelphia  Polyclinic  for  graduates  in  medicine,  on  the  eye,  ear,  nose  and 
throat.  He  then  engaged  in  practice  at  Meadville,  where  he  remained  but 
a  short  time,  and  in  February,  1894,  he  located  in  Erie.  Doctor  Dunn  has 
been  in  his  present  location  in  the  Masonic  Temple  building  since  1910. 
He  has  an  excellent  practice  and  is  known  as  a  thoroughly  capable  man 
in  his  profession.  During  the  past  year  Doctor  Dunn  has  been  associated 
in  practice  with  Dr.  George  H.  Clapp. 

Doctor  Dunn  was  married  Oct.  21,  1893,  to  Miss  Addie  E.  Phillips,  and 
they  have  four  children :  Thomas  P.,  a  successful  young  attorney  of  Erie ; 
Dr.  F.  L.,  a  graduate  of  the  University  of  Chicago,  also  the  Medical 
Department  of  Harvard  University,  now  an  interne  in  the  Presbyterian 
hospital;  Suzanne,  attended  the  University  of  Chicago,  and  the  Radcliffe 
College  for  Women  at  Harvard,  now  a  graduate  nurse,  lives  in  Erie;  and 
Florence,  attended  the  Universities  of  Wisconsin  and  Pennsylvania. 

Doctor  Dunn  is  a  member  of  the  County,  State  and  the  American 
Medical  Association.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Association  for  the 
Advancement  of  Science,  the  Opthalmological  and  Oto-Laryngoligical  and 
the  Oxford   (England)   Opthalamological  Congress. 

Dr.  Benjamin  Goldman,  who  ranks  among  Erie's  capable  young  physi- 
cians and  surgeons,  was  born  in  New  York,  March  4,  1897,  and  is  a  son 
of  William  and  Henrietta  (Adler)  Goldman.  There  were  two  children  in 
the  Gk)ldman  family:     Benjamin  and  Hannah. 

Dr.  Benjamin  Goldman  was  graduated  from  Fort  Madison  (Iowa) 
High  School  in  1916,  and  after  i-eceiving  his  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Science 
from  the  University  of  Iowa,  he  entered  New  York  University  where  he 
received  his  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine  in  1922.     The  following  year 


732  History  of  Erie  County 

was  spent  as  an  interne  at  Bellevue  Hospital,  after  which  Doctor  Goldman 
came  to  Erie.  He  is  interested  in  anesthesia  work  and  is  a  member  of  the 
staff  of  Hamot  Hospital  of  the  Erie  Infants'  Home  and  the  B'nai  B'rith 
Orphanage,  Fairview.     His  office  is  at  156  West  Eighth  Street. 

Dr.  Goldman  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society,  the 
State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medical  Association.  He  is  a 
Mason  and  belongs  to  the  University  Club  and  the  Elks  lodge. 

Leonard  G.  Youngs,  one  of  Erie  County's  highly  esteemed  and  well 
known  citizens,  was  born  in  North  East  Township,  Dec.  13,  1853,  and  is 
the  son  of  Sears  and  Jane  (Harper)  Youngs. 

Sears  Youngs  was  a  native  of  Vermont,  born  in  1808.  At  an  early 
date  he  settled  in  Erie  County,  where  he  improved  200  acres  of  land  in 
North  East  Township,  now  known  as  Gulf  Road.  He  was  a  prominent 
citizen  of  his  time  and  held  many  township  offices.  He  died  in  1892,  and 
his  wife,  who  was  born  July  19,  1811,  died  March  29,  1897.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Youngs  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Cordelia  M.,  born 
Aug.  30,  1842,  deceased;  Levant,  born  in  July,  1841,  died  Aug.  28,  1918; 
and  Leonard  G.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

L.  G.  Youngs  was  reared  in  North  East  Township  and  educated  in 
the  public  schools,  and  Lake  Shore  Seminary,  North  East.  He  taught 
school  several  years,  mostly  in  Ohio.  He  at  one  time  was  the  principal  of 
the  Grafton  Academy,  Grafton,  Ohio.  In  1888  he  was  appointed  postal 
clerk  and  worked  on  the  Chicago,  New  York  Railroad  and  two  years  later 
resigned  his  position  and  has  since  devoted  his  entire  time  to  fruit  growing 
and  general  farming.  Since  1917  he  has  served  as  investigator  of  the 
state  auditors  and  has  collected  more  than  $1,000,000.  He  also  served  as 
county  commissioner  of  Erie  County,  from  1898  to  1901. 

Mr.  Youngs  farm  contains  60  acres  of  land,  20  of  which  are  in  grapes, 
12  in  prunes,  and  he  has  1,000  peach  trees,  and  600  pear  trees.  He  sells 
to  the  Welch  Company  of  Westfield,  N.  Y. 

On  Dec.  31,  1874,  Mr.  Youngs  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  L.  Covey, 
who  died  in  1891,  leaving  four  children,  as  follows:  Arthur  F.,  a  sketch 
of  whom  appears  elsewhere  in  this  history;  Leonard,  lives  at  home;  Al- 
fred L.,  married  Gertrude  Youngs,  lives  in  North  East  Township;  and 
Anna  M.,  a  teacher,  lives  in  Idaho. 

On  July  4,  1894,  Mr.  Youngs  was  married  the  second  time  to  Celia 
A.  Dowman,  a  native  of  New  London,  Ohio,  and  to  them  were  born  three 


History  of  Erie  County  733 

children:  Blanche,  died  in  infancy;  Howard  D.,  born  in  1899,  a  graduate 
of  North  East  High  School,  Allegheny  College  and  Columbia  University, 
now  a  radio  engineer  with  the  Crosley  Radio  Company,  Cincinnati,  Ohio; 
and  Russell,  married  Miss  Leonora  Inghram,  lives  at  North  East. 

Mr.  Youngs  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Chui'ch,  and  belongs  to  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Grange.  He  is  among  the  rep- 
resentative citizens  of  the  community  and  has  a  wide  acquaintance. 

Dr.  George  Arthur  Reed,  physician  and  surgeon,  who  has  been  suc- 
cessfully engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Erie  since  1895, 
is  a  member  of  a  family  that  has  long  been  identified  with  the  interests 
of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  Mill  Creek  Township,  Feb.  27,  1869,  and 
is  the  son  of  John  Grubb  and  Candace  Eliza  (Blair)  Reed. 

John  Grubb  Reed,  deceased,  was  born  on  a  farm  in  Mill  Creek  Town- 
ship, Sept.  27,  1838,  the  son  of  Joseph  and  Jane  (Grubb)  Reed,  who  rep- 
resented substantial  pioner  families  of  the  county.  Mr.  Reed  was  a 
prominent  citizen  and  progressive  farmer  of  Mill  Creek  Township  for 
many  years,  having  served  for  two  terms  as  tax  collector  and  three 
terms  as  justice  of  the  peace.  He  was  also  active  in  the  affairs  of  the 
Westminster  Presbyterian  Church  of  Mill  Creek,  having  served  as  trustee, 
elder,  and  Sunday  School  superintendent.  He  died  Nov.  7,  1923.  Mr. 
Reed  was  married  to  Miss  Candace  Eliza  Blair,  daughter  of  John  W.  and 
Candace  Blair.  She  was  born  Jan.  1,  1840,  and  died  May  8,  1901.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reed  were  born  six  children:  John  Elmer,  a  leading  attor- 
ney of  Erie  and  editor  of  this  history;  George  Arthur,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch;  Joseph  W.,  deceased;  Mary  E.,  resides  in  Westminster,  Pa.; 
Edith  J.,  the  wife  of  P.  E.  Carpenter,  Westminster,  and  Dr.  James  R., 
a  physician  specializing  in  diseases  of  the  eye,  ear,  nose  and  throat,  Pase- 
dena,  Cal.. 

Dr.  George  Arthur  Reed  obtained  his  early  education  in  the  common 
schools  and  at  the  State  Normal  at  Edinboro,  and  then  entered  the  Medi- 
cal Department  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  from  which  he  was 
graduated  in  1895.  He  returned  to  Erie  and  began  the  practice  of  his 
profession  at  2113  Peach  Street.  On  March  15,  1907,  he  removed  to  his 
present  location,  122  West  21st  Street..  He  has.  an  excellent  practice  and 
is  known  as  a  thoroughly  capable  man  in  his  profession. 

On  Sept.  8,  1892,  Doctor  Reed  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Mabel  A.  Love,  the  daughter  of  James  F.  and  Jeanette  (Dunn)  Love,  of 


734  History  of  Erie  County 

Erie  County.  She  was  born  June  1,  1870,  and  died  March  1,  1917.  Two 
sons  were  born  to  this  union:  Thomas  H.,  born  Jan.  29,  1895,  lives  at 
home;  and  James  Richard,  born  March  31,  1900,  a  senior  at  Carnegie 
School  of  Technology  where  he  is  studying  architecture.  Doctor  Reed  was 
later  married  to  Mrs.  Jennie  B.  Reed,  the  widow  of  his  brother,  Joseph 
Wilbur  Reed. 

Doctor  Reed  is  an  active  member  of  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society, 
the  Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association,  and  the  American  Medical 
Association.  He  is  also  a  Fellow  of  the  American  College  of  Surgeons. 
He  is  a  trustee  of  the  Warren  State  Hospital  for  the  Insane,  and  has  served 
as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Health  for  20  years.  He  was  a  charter 
member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  and  is  connected  with  St.  Vincent's 
Hospital  staff. 

Dr.  B.  W.  Sweet,  a  leading  osteopathic  physician  of  Erie,  with  offices 
at  216  West  Seventh  Street,  is  a  native  of  Missouri.  He  was  born  in 
Sullivan  County,  in  1871. 

Doctor  Sweet  received  his  early  schooling  in  his  native  state  and 
attended  high  school  at  Bancroft,  Nebr.  After  studying  medicine  under 
a  preceptor  for  nearly  two  years  he  went  to  Alaska  in  1898,  where  he 
engaged  in  prospecting.  He  returned  after  a  year  and  spent  the  following 
two  years  at  Kirksville,  Mo.,  where  he  studied  osteopathy.  He  has  been 
located  in  Erie  since  1902,  and  practiced  his  profession  in  partnership 
with  Dr.  J.  A.  Root  for  several  years.  In  1905  he  removed  his  office  to  122 
West  10th  Street,  and  was  later  located  on  West  10th  for  17  years.  Doc- 
tor Sweet  has  been  in  his  present  location  for  six  months. 

On  Jan.  11,  1899,  Doctor  Sweet  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Myrtle  E.  Edeburn,  a  native  of  Mercer  County,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of 
Benton  and  Fannie  Edeburn.  To  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Sweet  were  bom  the 
following  children:  Hazard  A.,  born  Feb.  14,  1900,  a  doctor  of  osteopathy, 
who  specializes  in  eye,  ear,  nose  and  throat  diseases;  Lucile,  born  Oct.  31, 
1901,  died  June  7,  1910;  Richard  A.,  born  Feb.  17,  1905,  a  student  at 
Grove  City  College;  and  Robert  L.,  born  July  26,  1908,  died  in  October, 
1909. 

Doctor  Sweet  is  identified  with  the  Masonic  and  Elk  lodges.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  and  ranks  among  the  substan- 
tial and  highly  esteemed  citizens  of  Erie. 


History  of  Erie  County  735 

Dr.  J.  A.  Dinnison,  physician  and  surgeon  of  Erie,  was  born  at  Nauvoo, 
Pa.,  Nov.  11,  1877,  and  is  a  son  of  James  and  Harriet  Dinnison. 

Dr.  J.  A.  Dinnison  attended  the  pubUc  schools  and  in  1898  was  grad- 
uated from  business  college  in  Elmira,  N.  Y.,  after  which  he  was  engaged 
as  a  bookkeeper  for  four  years.  He  then  attended  Central  State  Normal 
School  in  Pennsylvania,  and  later  engaged  in  teaching.  He  was  graduated 
from  Jefferson  Medical  College  in  1912  and  spent  the  following  year  as  an 
interne  in  the  Williamsport  (Pa.)  General  Hospital.  Doctor  Dinnison 
began  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Coudersport,  Pa.,  where  he  re- 
mained five  years.  He  has  been  located  in  Erie  since  1918,  where  he  has 
established  an  excellent  practice.  His  offices  are  located  at  147  West  Eighth 
Street. 

In  1916  Doctor  Dinnison  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mrs.  Rose  S. 
(Simmons)  Babcock,  who  had  two  children  by  her  former  marriage, 
Clara  and  Wilbert  Babcock. 

Doctor  Dinnison  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  Lodge.  He  is  identified  with  the  Erie 
County  Medical  Society  and  is  recognized  as  a  capable  physician  and 
surgeon. 

Dr.  J.  A.  Stackhouse,  who  ranks  among  the  leading  physicians  and 
surgeons  of  Erie,  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  at  Ambler. 
Pa.,  and  is  the  son  of  John  D.  and  Adella  (Sperry)  Stackhouse. 

After  attending  the  public  and  high  schools  of  his  native  city,  Doctor 
Stackhouse  took  a  business  course  at  Philadelphia  and  in  1907  entered 
Hahnemann  Medical  College  in  Philadelphia,  from  which  he  was  graduated 
with  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine.  His  interne  work  was  done  at  the 
Children's  Homeopathic  Hospital  of  Philadelphia  and  the  Homeopathic 
Hospital  of  Rochester,  N.  Y.  Doctor  Stackhouse  then  located  in  Erie, 
where  he  established  his  practice  at  326  Sassafras  Street.  At  the  time 
of  the  World  War  in  1917  he  enlisted  and  served  as  a  first  lieutenant  with 
the  77th  Division,  taking  part  in  numerous  battles  and  drives,  including 
the  Meuse  Argonne.  Doctor  Stackhouse  was  seriously  wounded  in  serv- 
ice, and  is  a  member  of  the  Disabled  Veterans  of  the  World  War,  and 
the  Veterans  of  Foreign  Wars. 

Upon  his  return  to  Erie  after  the  close  of  the  World  War,  Doctor 
Stackhouse  was  located  at  116  West  8th  Street.  He  has  established  an 
excellent  practice  and  is  now  located  at  156  W.  Eighth  Street.     For 


736  History  of  Erie  County 

several  years  he  maintained  an  office  at  814  Peach  Street.  He  is  con- 
nected with  the  staff  of  Hamot  Hospital  and  also  with  the  Infants'  Home 
of  Erie. 

Doctor  Stackhouse  is  identified  with  the  County,  State  and  Ameri- 
can Medical  Associations,  is  a  member  of  the  American  Legion,  now 
president  of  the  Exchange  Club  of  Erie.  He  is  secretary  of  the  Sailors 
and  Soldiers  Home  of  Erie.  Doctor  Stackhouse  holds  membership  in  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church.     He  is  a  Republican. 

Melvin  Z.  Sherman,  one  of  the  well  known  citizens  of  East  Spring- 
field, now  living  retired,  is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War.  He  was  born  in 
Springfield  Township,  Erie  County,  Aug.  6,  1846,  and  is  the  son  of  Z.  L. 
and  Elizabeth   (Levins)   Sherman. 

Z.  L.  Sherman  was  born  in  New  York  and  his  wife  was  born  there 
also.  He  was  among  the  early  settlers  of  Luzerne  County,  Pa.,  where  he 
cleared  and  operated  200  acres  of  land.  He  died  in  1901  and  his  wife  died 
in  1905.  They  had  seven  children,  as  follows:  Eunice  L.,  married  Rev. 
Alden  Allen,  both  deceased;  Melvin  Z.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Win- 
field  S.,  lives  at  North  Girard,  Pa.;  Olive  L.,  deceased,  was  the  wife  of 
Perry  Frisbiee;  Mahala  M.,  married  0.  M.  Ellis,  lives  at  East  Springfield; 
John  L.,  lives  at  East  Springfield ;  and  Alta  V.,  married  Chauncey  Strong, 
both  deceased. 

Melvin  Z.  Sherman  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  East  Springfield 
and  until  his  retirement  was  prominently  identified  with  the  agricultural 
interests  of  this  section.  He  served  throughout  the  Civil  War  and  took 
active  part  in  the  battles  of  Resaca,  Kenasaw  Mountain,  Nashville,  Jones- 
boro,  and  Spring  Hill. 

Mr.  Sherman  was  married  first  on  March  27,  1867,  to  Miss  Lucy  J. 
Weed,  a  native  of  Springfield  Township,  born  Oct.  14,  1846,  and  died  Nov. 
23,  1921.  Seven  children  were  born  to  them:  Alice,  married  Frank  Sum- 
ner, deceased,  and  later  married  Guy  Humes;  Martha,  married  Harry  L. 
Barker,  East  Springfield;  William  W. ;  J.  B.,  lives  at  North  Kingsville, 
Ohio;  Bessie,  married  E.  T.  Salisbury,  lives  at  Albion,  Pa.;  Belva,  died  in 
1906;  and  Rev.  Charles,  a  minister  of  the  Christian  church.  Mr.  Sher- 
man was  married  Aug.  16,  1924,  to  Miss  Sarah  McFarland,  a  native  of 
Springfield  Township,  born  Aug.  26,  1855,  and  the  daughter  of  William  S. 
and  Mercy  (Weed)  Seeley,  who  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children: 
Susan,  the  widow  of  Edgar  Coman;  Mrs.  Sherman;  Nancy,  Ellen,  Henry, 


History  of  Erie  County  737 

Ida,  all  deceased;  Harley,   lives  at  Waldron,   Mich.;   and   Etta,   married 
R.  Perry,  lives  retired  at  Waldron,  Mich. 

Mr.  Sherman  is  a  Republican  and  has  served  as  constable  of  East 
Springfield  for  18  years.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Christian  church  and 
belongs  to  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  and  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows.  The  Sherman  family  is  among  the  highly  respected 
pioneer  families  of  Erie  County  and  is  favorably  known. 

Dr.  Edward  H.  Drozeski,  who  ranks  among  the  leading  physicians  and 
surgeons  of  Erie,  was  born  in  this  city,  March  27,  1880,  and  is  the  son 
of  J.  R.  and  Fredericka  C.  (Kolb)  Drozeski. 

J.  R.  Drozeski,  who  is  state  factory  inspector  of  labor  and  industry, 
has  spent  his  entire  life  in  Erie,  and  lives  at  505  Sassafras  Street.  He  was 
married  in  1879  to  Miss  Fredericka  C.  Kolb,  also  a  native  of  this  city,  and 
they  have  two  children:  Dr.  Edward  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
and  Roland  C,  manager  of  the  Lawrie  Brothers  Furniture  Company  of 
Erie. 

Edward  H.  Drozeski  was  graduated  from  Erie  High  School  in  1899, 
and  in  1903  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of  Medicine  from  the  Univer- 
sity of  Buffalo.  He  spent  the  following  year  as  an  interne  in  the  Buffalo 
General  Hospital.  In  1905  he  returned  to  Erie  where  he  established  his 
practice  at  211  East  Sixth  Street.  He  has  been  located  at  his  present 
address,  117  East  Sixth  Street  since  1908.  In  1924  Doctor  Drozeski  spent 
three  months  in  Europe,  taking  post  graduate  work  in  Paris,  Vienna  and 
Berlin.  During  the  World  War  he  served  as  medical  examiner  for  the 
draft  board.  In  1918  he  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  first  civil  service 
board  and  served  until  1924.  In  1918  he  was  appointed  chief  of  State 
Genito-Urinary  Clinic  which  service  he  organized  and  conducted  until 
1922. 

Dr.  Drozeski  was  married  on  April  29,  1920,  to  Blanche  Whitehill, 
born  at  Meadville,  Pa.  She  is  a  daughter  of  James  C.  and  Elizabeth 
Whitehill,  the  former  now  deceased  and  the  latter  now  living  in  Mead- 
ville, Pa. 

Doctor  Drozeski  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society,  the 
Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association,  and  the  American  Medical  Asso- 
ciation.   He  is  a  Republican  and  a  member  of  the  University  Club.    Doc- 
tor Drozeski  is  a  substantial  citizen  and  stands  high  in  his  profession 
(47) 


738  History  of  Erie  County 

Dr.  Samuel  L.  Scibetta,  a  prominent  young  physician  and  surgeon  of 
Erie,  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  in  Italy,  Jan.  9,  1893, 
and  is  the  son  of  Cosmo  and  Rose  (Giglea)  Scibetta. 

Cosmo  Scibetta  brought  his  family  to  this  country  from  Italy  in  1897 
and  settled  at  North  East,  Pa.  There  were  six  children  in  the  family: 
Anna,  lives  at  North  East;  Mary  Rizzo,  lives  at  Ndrth  East;  Francis, 
lives  at  North  East;  Dr.  Samuel  L.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Louis,  a 
student  at  Georgetown  University ;  and  one  child  died  in  infancy. 

Dr.  Samuel  L.  Scibetta  spent  his  boyhood  at  North  East  and  after 
his  graduation  from  high  school  in  1913  he  entered  the  University  of 
Buffalo,  where  he  received  his  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine  in  1917.  He 
spent  the  next  year  in  Buffalo  as  an  interne  in  Columbus  Hospital. 

During  the  World  War  Dr.  Scibetta  enlisted  in  the  medical  corps  at 
Buffalo  and  was  sent  to  Fort  Oglethorpe  as  an  instructor  in  the  Medical 
Officers  Training  School.  He  was  later  sent  to  France  and  served  with 
the  medical  corps  at  base  hospital  No.  48.  After  his  discharge,  Aug. 
13,  1919,  Dr.  Scibetta  came  to  Erie,  where  he  spent  six  months  as  an 
interne  at  Hamot  Hospital.  He  has  taken  post  graduate  work  in  Chicago 
and  has  already  established  an  extensive  practice  in  Erie,  where  he  is 
widely  known  as  an  able  physician  and  surgeon. 

On  Nov.  25,  1920,  Dr.  Scibetta  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Angeline  Palmisno,  a  native  of  Erie.  They  have  a  daughter,  Geraldine, 
born  Jan.  23,  1924. 

Dr.  Scibetta  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society,  the 
Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association,  the  American  Medical  Associa- 
tion, and  the  Association  of  Military  Surgeons  of  the  United  States.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  American  Legion,  the  University  Club,  the  National 
Club,  the  Ansonia  Club,  the  Sons  of  Italy,  and  the  Elks  lodge.  He  is  a 
Democrat  and  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

Dr.  Maxwell  Lick,  physician  and  surgeon,  who  is  successfully  engaged 
in  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Erie,  is  a  member  of  a  prominent 
pioneer  family  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Albion,  Pa.,  Oct.  25,  1884, 
and  is  the  son  of  C.  V.  and  Mary  (Dietz)  Lick. 

C.  V.  Lick,  who  now  lives  retired  at  Albion,  Pa.,  was  engaged  in  the 
implement,  harness  and  carriage  business  there  for  50  years.  He  was 
born  in  1859  and  is  the  son  of  John  L.  and  Eliza  (Goodrich)  Lick,  and  a 
grandson  of  Aaron  Lick,  who  came  to  Erie  County  almost  a  century  ago. 


History  of  Erie  County  739 

C.  V.  Lick  was  married  in  June,  1880,  to  Miss  Mary  Dietz,  a  daughter 
of  Adam  and  Amanda  Dietz,  of  Conneaut  Township,  Erie  County.  To 
this  union  were  born  three  children:  Milo  Vernon,  lives  at  Wesleyville, 
Pa.;  Doctor  Maxwell,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Florence  Elizabeth 
Loose,  lives  in  Erie. 

Doctor  Maxwell  Lick  attended  the  public  schools  of  Albion,  Pa.,  and 
in  1902  graduated  from  high  school.  In  1908  he  received  his  degree  at 
Allegheny  College,  and  four  years  later  was  graduated  from  the  Medical 
School  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  His  interne  work  was  taken 
at  the  University  Hospital,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  in  1914  Dr.  Lick  began 
the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Erie.  He  specializes  in  surgery  and  is 
a  member  of  St.  Vincent's  Hospital  staff  as  well  as  Hamot  Hospital 
staff.  He  is  surgeon  for  the  New  York  Central  Railroad  and  the  Nickel 
Plate  Railroad. 

In  July,  1915,  Dr.  Lick  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  MacLaughlin,  and 
to  this  union  three  children  have  been  born:  Maxwell,  Jr.,  born  June, 
1916;  Robert,  born  in  1921,  died  in  1922;  and  Mary,  born  Oct.  31,  1923. 

Doctor  Lick  is  identified  with  the  County,  State  and  American  Medical 
Societies  and  is  a  member  of  the  American  College  of  Surgeons.  He  is 
a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  a  32nd  degree 
Mason,  and  a  member  of  the  Shrine  and  Elks  Lodge.  He  is  a  capable 
physician  and  surgeon  and  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  leaders  of  his 
profession. 

Dr.  Frank  A,  Trippe.  One  of  the  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  of 
the  younger  physicians  and  surgeons  of  the  city  of  Erie  is  Dr.  Frank 
A.  Trippe,  who  is  also  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  in 
Sicily,  Aug.  5,  1890,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Rose  Trippe. 

In  1891  John  Trippe  brought  his  family  to  this  country  and  settled 
in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  he  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  until  1901, 
at  which  time  he  removed  to  Fredonia,  N.  Y.,  and  engaged  in  general 
farming. 

Dr.  Frank  A.  Trippe  attended  the  public  schools  and  was  graduated 
from  Fredonia  State  Normal  School  in  1912,  after  which  he  entered  the 
medical  school  of  the  University  of  Buffalo.  After  receiving  his  degree 
as  Doctor  of  Medicine  in  1916,  Doctor  Trippe  spent  the  following  year 
as  an  interne  in  Columbus  Hospital  in  Buffalo.  In  1917  he  removed  to 
Erie,  where  he  engaged  in  practice  until  April  of  that  year,  when  he 


740  History  of  Erie  County 

volunteered  for  service  during  the  World  War.  After  three  weeks  in  the 
Medical  School  at  Washington,  D.  C,  he  was  transferred  to  Camp  Sevier, 
Greenville,  S.  C,  and  later  to  Camp  Mills.  Doctor  Trippe  was  sent  to 
France  as  a  surgeon  with  Field  Hospital  No.  422  and  was  at  the  front 
during  the  Argonne  and  Meuse  drives.  After  the  close  of  the  war  he  was 
transferred  to  the  army  Medical  School  at  Lyons,  France,  where  he  re- 
mained until  July,  1919.  He  was  discharged  from  service  at  Camp  Dix, 
N.  J.,  Aug.  3,  1919,  and  immediately  returned  to  Erie,  and  resumed  his 
practice. 

On  May  6,  1918,  Doctor  Trippe  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Ade- 
line Milani,  a  native  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  They  have  two  children :  Ehzabeth 
R.,  born  Jan.  16,  1921 ;  and  Adele  F.,  born  Dec.  4,  1922. 

Doctor  Trippe  is  identified  with  the  American  Medical  Association, 
the  Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association,  and  the  Erie  County  Medical 
Society.  He  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  and  belongs 
to  the  Sons  of  Italy,  and  Elks  lodge. 

Henry  H.  Hubbard,  a  highly  respected  pioneer  citizen  of  Erie  County, 
was  born  at  Girard,  Nov.  24,  1855,  and  is  a  member  of  one  of  the  first 
families  of  this  section.  He  is  the  son  of  G«orge  and  Mary  (Porter) 
Hubbard. 

George  Hubbard  was  a  native  of  Litchfield,  Conn.,  and  one  of  the 
very  early  settlers  of  Erie  County,  having  come  here  in  1818.  He  lived 
at  North  East  for  several  years,  after  which  he  removed  to  Girard  and 
purchased  the  old  Evans  farm,  the  present  site  of  the  Nickel  Plate  Rail- 
road. He  later  removed  to  West  Springfield,  where  he  operated  a  saw- 
mill for  many  years.  He  was  also  extensively  engaged  in  the  lumber 
business.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hubbard  the  following  children  were  born: 
Helen,  deceased,  was  the  wife  of  Hartley  Graves;  George  A.,  lives  at  Con- 
neaut,  Ohio;  A.  M.,  deceased;  Emma,  deceased;  and  Henry  H.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch. 

Henry  H.  Hubbard  began  life  as  a  farmer.  He  was  educated  in  the 
district  schools  and  attended  North  East  Seminary.  He  has  served  as 
justice  of  the  peace  of  West  Springfield  for  a  number  of  years  and  is  now 
notary  public.    He  has  also  been  a  member  of  the  election  board. 

On  Nov.  11,  1878,  Mr.  Hubbard  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Jennie  Laughlin,  born  at  Conneaut,  Ohio,  Aug.  24,  1857,  and  died  Aug.  8, 
1899.    She  was  the  daughter  of  Hugh  and  Mary  (Luntz)  Laughlin,  natives 


H- ^  H^-^rtr^^'^ 


History  of  Erie  County  741 

of  Ohio,  and  both  now  deceased.  One  son  was  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hubbard,  S.  H.,  who  lives  at  Conneaut,  Ohio.  He  has  a  son,  Hugh  H. 
Hubbard. 

In  politics  Mr.  Hubbard  is  identified  with  the  Democratic  party.     He 
has  always  been  a  public  spirited  and  progressive  citizen. 

Dr.  A.  G.  Krum  is  a  widely  known  specialist  of  this  section,  who  has 
practiced  his  profession  in  Erie  for  the  past  25  years.     He  was  born  at- 
Mt.  Zion,  Lebanon  County,  Pa.,  Nov.  26,  1862,  and  is  the  son  of  Dr.  George 
R.  and  Mary  R.   (Bucks)   Krum. 

Dr.  George  R.  Krum  was  born  in  Lebanon  County,  Pa.,  and  was  en- 
gaged in  practice  at  Mt.  Zion  for  more  than  20  years.  He  was  born  in 
1836  and  died  July  8,  1876.  He  was  a  graduate  of  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania  and  at  the  time  of  the  Civil  War  was  drafted  into  service, 
but  discharged  after  five  days  of  service  at  Harrisburg,  Pa.  His  wife, 
also  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  was  born  in  1836  and  died  in  1888.  They 
had  three  children:  Dr.  Octavia  Krum,  a  physician,  was  born  June  15, 
1861,  lives  at  St.  Petersburg,  Fla. ;  Dr.  A.  G.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
and  Dr.  Francis  G.,  a  physician,  born  March  15,  1865,  lives  in  North 
Carolina. 

The  Krum  family  originally  came  to  this  country  from  Germany  in 
1764.  John  C.  Krum  settled  in  Lebanon  County,  Pa.,  during  that  year 
and  the  family  became  one  of  the  leading  pioneer  families  of  the  state. 
In  1792  John  Krum,  Esq.,  was  appointed  a  captain  by  Thomas  Miffin,  at 
that  time  governor  of  Pennsylvania. 

Dr.  A.  G.  Krum  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  Lebanon  County  and 
taught  school  for  several  years  before  taking  up  the  study  of  medicine. 
He  was  graduated  from  Jeflferson  Medical  College  in  1887  and  spent  the 
following  three  years  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Mt.  Zion,  Pa. 
During  the  years  1891-92  he  attended  the  University  of  Berlin,  where  he 
specialized  in  the  study  of  women's  diseases.  Since  1899  Doctor  Krum 
has  been  located  in  Erie  continuously  and  has  established  an  excellent 
reputation  as  a  physician  and  surgeon.  He  is  now  practically  retired, 
but  still  maintains  his  office  at  163  West  18th  Street. 

On  June  23,  1896,  Doctor  Krum  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Carrie  A.  Merriam,  a  native  of  Conneaut,  Ohio,  born  Dec.  23,  1862,  and 
the  daughter  of  Dr.  Edward  and  Phoebe  (Keyes)  Merriam,  natives  of 
Conneaut.     Doctor  Merriam,  who  died  at  the  age  of  80  years,  practiced 


742  History  of  Erie  County 

his  profession  in  Conneaut,  Ohio,  for  more  than  50  years.     His  wife  is 
deceased. 

Doctor  Krum  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  German  Reformed 
Church  of  Lebanon,  Pa.,  and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows.  He  is  identified  with  the  County,  State  and  American  Medical 
Associations  and  ranks  among  the  highly  esteemed  citizens  of  the  com- 
munity, in  which  he  has  spent  so  many  years. 

Dr.  Norbert  D.  Gannon,  a  prominent  physician  of  Erie,  is  a  veteran  of 
the  World  War.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  Feb.  18,  1891,  and  is  a  son 
of  William  and  Margaret  (Eichenlaub)  Gannon. 

William  Gannon  is  a  well  known  citizen  of  Erie,  where  he  has  been 
engaged  as  a  salesman  for  many  years.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Mar- 
garet Eichenlaub,  who  was  born  in  Erie,  in  September,  1866,  the  daughter 
of  Joseph  Eichenlaub,  who  owned  and  operated  a  shoe  factory  in  Erie  for 
many  years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gannon  were  born  five  children,  as  follows: 
Ethel,  at  home;  Marguerite,  deceased;  Lillian,  at  home;  William,  lives 
in  New  York  city ;  and  Dr.  Norbert  D.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Dr.  Norbert  D.  Gannon  received  his  education  in  the  grade  schools  of 
Erie  and  was  graduated  from  Central  High  School  in  1911.  He  studied 
medicine  at  Loyola  University,  Chicago,  and  was  graduated  from  that 
institution  in  1917,  and  in  1921  granted  an  M.  D.  by  the  School  of  Medi- 
cine of  the  University  of  Pittsburgh.  He  served  as  an  interne  in  St.  Francis 
Hospital,  Pittsburgh. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  World  War  Dr.  Gannon  volunteered  his  serv- 
ices and  served  as  a  lieutenant  in  the  medical  corps.  He  spent  one  month 
at  Fort  Leavenworth,  Kan.,  a  month  in  the  Brady  Laboratory  of  Yale 
University,  New  Haven,  Conn.,  a  month  in  the  Rockefeller  Institute  in 
New  York  city,  and  was  then  transferred  to  Allentown,  Pa.  He  was 
later  stationed  in  Hoboken,  N.  J.,  and  from  there  was  sent  to  Debarka- 
tion Hospital  No.  3,  New  York  city,  and  later  became  chief  of  the  labora- 
tory of  Embarkation  Hospital  No.  4.  After  Tiis  discharge  at  the  close  of 
the  war,  Dr.  Gannon  took  post  graduate  work  in  the  Childrens  Hospital 
at  Pittsburgh,  and  later  spent  six  months  in  the  Magee  Hospital  there. 
In  1920  he  came  to  Erie  and  established  his  office  at  154  West  8th  Street. 
He  is  now  located  at  349  West  9th  Street,  where  he  has  a  well  established 
practice.  Dr.  Gannon  specializes  in  the  diseases  of  infancy  and  children, 
is  medical  inspector  of  public  and  parochial  schools  in  Erie,  has  charge 


History  of  Erie  County  743 

of  infant's  department  at  St.  Joseph's  Home  for  Children,  the  Erie  Day 
Nursery,  is  a  member  of  the  staff  of  Hamot  Hospital  and  on  the  pediatric 
staff  of  St.  Vincent's  Hospital. 

On  Nov.  28,  1921,  Dr.  Gannon  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Loretta  Emerick,  a  native  of  Meadville,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  William 
and  Julia  Emerick,  residents  of  that  place. 

Dr.  Gannon  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County,  State  and  American 
Medical  Associations.  He  is  a  member  of  St.  Peter's  Cathedral  and 
belongs  to  the  Elks  lodge.  He  is  a  substantial  citizen  and  stands  high 
in  his  profession. 

Dr.  A.  B.  Miller  is  a  prominent  physician  and  surgeon  of  Erie  and  a 
veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  in  Indiana  County,  Pa.,  March 
19,  1881,  and  is  a  son  of  Henry  S.  and  Mary  (Baer)  Miller. 

Henry  S.  Miller,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  a  suc- 
cessful farmer  during  his  life.  His  wife,  who  was  born  in  Pittsburgh, 
is  also  deceased.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  S.  C, 
lives  in  Cuba,  where  he  is  a  structural  engineer;  Charles  M.,  a  farmer, 
lives  in  Indiana  County,  Pa. ;  H.  E.,  an  attorney,  lives  in  Cleveland ;  Ira 
A.,  official  photographer  for  the  United  States  government,  Beaufort,  S. 
C. ;  Dr.  A.  B.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  R.  V.,  who  represents  the 
Eastman  Kodak  Company  at  San  Antonio,  Texas. 

Dr.  A.  B.  Miller  was  educated  in  Pittsburgh,  after  which  he  entered 
the  Medical  School  of  the  University  of  Pittsburgh.  He  received  his  de- 
gree of  Doctor  of  Medicine  in  1905,  and  spent  the  following  year  as  an 
interne  in  the  Allegheny  General  Hospital,  Pittsburgh.  In  1906  Dr.  Miller 
began  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  North  Girard,  where  he  was 
located  until  1921.  Since  moving  to  Erie  he  has  been  located  at  159  West 
8th  Street. 

During  the  World  War  Dr.  Miller  was  commissioned  a  lieutenant,  after 
attending  the  Medical  Officers  Training  Camp  at  Fort  Oglethorpe,  Ga.  He 
was  later  transferred  to  Camp  Logan,  Houston,  Texas,  and  from  there 
to  Ft.  McPherson,  Ga.,  where  he  remained  until  March  1,  1918,  when  he 
sailed  for  France  where  he  remained  until  June  1,  1919.  At  the  time 
of  his  discharge,  Dr.  Miller  had  attained  the  rank  of  major. 

On  March  14,  1904,  Dr.  Miller  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Jean 
Tannehill,  a  native  of  Pittsburgh,  and  to  this  union  three  children  have 
been  born:     A.  Boyd,  bom  Aug.  20,  1905,  now  a  junior  at  Allegheny 


744  History  of  Erie  County 

College;  Wilbur,  born  Jan.  22,  1907,  a  freshman  at  Allegheny  College; 
and  Marie  Agnes,  born  June  26,  1915. 

Dr.  Miller  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society,  the  Medi- 
cal Society  of  Pennsylvania  and  the  American  Medical  Association.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Hamot  and  St.  Vincent  Hospital  staffs,  and  specializes 
in  surgery.  Dr.  Miller  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge  and  Shrine.  He  is  a  sub- 
stantial citizen  and  stands  high  in  his  profession. 

Robert  W.  Lawrie.  Numbered  among  the  successful  and  representa- 
tive business  men  of  Erie  is  R.  W.  Lawrie,  owner  of  Lawrie  Brothers 
Furniture  Company,  Erie's  largest  and  oldest  furniture  house.  He  was 
born  at  Bowmanville,  Ontario,  Canada,  Sept.  8,  1872,  and  is  the  son  of 
James  and  Mary  (Drinkle)  Lawrie.  The  father,  a  native  of  Scotland,  dur- 
ing infancy  was  brought  to  Canada,  where  he  died  in  1904.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Lawrie  had  three  children:  William  J.,  lives  at  Oshawa,  Canada; 
Alberta,  married  J.  J.  Croskem,  lives  at  Toronto,  Canada;  and  R.  W., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

In  his  native  town  of  Bowmanville  and  Oshawa,  R.  W.  Lawrie  was 
reared  and  educated.  He  left  school  at  the  age  of  11  years  and  entered 
the  employ  of  a  commercial  establishment.  His  first  step  in  the  business 
world  was  that  of  a  messenger  boy,  in  which  position,  although  it  was 
humble,  he  was  honest  in  the  performance  of  his  duties,  considering  his 
post  as  one  of  trust  and  in  this  way  prepared  himself  for  a  higher  step 
in  the  business,  his  next  position  being  that  of  a  clerk,  and  as  such  he 
worked  for  a  period  of  five  years.  He  then  became  apprenticed  to  a  wood 
finisher,  and  after  learning  his  trade  went  to  Woodstock,  where  he  re- 
mained until  1892,  when  he  located  in  Erie.  Upon  his  arrival  here  he 
accepted  a  position  in  the  Shaw  Piano  Works  as  a  finisher,  and  followed 
this  trade  until  1896,  when  he  engaged  in  the  furniture  enterprise  on  a 
small  scale  at  West  18th  Street.  There  he  conducted  business  success- 
fully until  1891  when  he  transferred  his  business  to  South  State  Street. 
About  the  time  of  the  removal  he  was  joined  by  his  brother,  William  J. 
Lawrie,  and  the  firm  became  known  as  Lawrie  Brothers.  The  partnership, 
however,  was  of  short  duration,  the  brother  who  entered  into  business 
relations  in  April,  withdrawing  from  the  concern  in  the  following  Sep- 
tember. Nevertheless  by  mutual  agreement  the  firm  name,  Lawrie  Broth- 
ers, was  still  maintained  and  under  this  title  the  business  has  since  been 


History  of  Erie  County  745 

transacted.  In  December,  1908,  Mr.  Lawrie  removed  to  his  present  location, 
1207  State  Street,  where  he  owns  a  fine  four-story  building.  He  deals  in 
furniture  and  house  furnishings  and  carries  a  stock  valued  at  $150,000. 
The  store  employs  50  people  and  operates  a  fleet  of  delivery  cars. 

Mr.  Lawrie  was  married  to  Miss  Nellie  Aaron,  of  this  city,  and  the 
daughter  of  John  Aaron.  She  died  June  13,  1923.  They  had  no  chil- 
dren. On  July  7,  1924,  Mr.  Lawrie  was  married  to  Miss  Romayne  Wagner, 
of  Indiana,  Pa. 

Mr.  Lawrie  is  a  member  of  the  Lutheran  Memorial  Church,  and  is 
a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Thiel  College.  He  belongs  to  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  Elks  Lodge, 
Maccabees,  Royal  Arcanum,  Erie  Maennerchor,  Kiwanis  Club,  Chamber 
of  Commerce,  and  the  Erie  Motor  Club. 

Dr,  Earl  B.  Johnson  is  a  successful  physician  and  surgeon  of  Erie,  en- 
gaged in  general  practice  with  special  attention  to  eye,  ear,  and  throat 
diseases,  to  which  he  has  devoted  special  study  and  attention.  He  is  a 
native  of  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  born  Oct.  3,  1867,  and  the  son  of 
William  and  Rebecca   (Beedy)   Johnson. 

William  Johnson  was  born  in  New  York,  Oct.  9,  1812.  At  an  early 
date  he  settled  in  Richmond  Township,  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  where  he 
engaged  in  general  farming.  He  died  at  Cambridge  Springs,  July  13, 
1879,  and  his  wife,  who  was  born  at  McLean,  Pa.,  Feb.  17,  1825,  died 
Aug.  11,  1902.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Samuel  Beedy,  who  came  from 
Massachusetts  to  Pennsylvania  during  the  early  days  and  became  a  widely 
known  educator.  By  a  former  marriage  to  James  Snow,  Mrs.  Johnson  had 
two  children:  Genevieve,  born  June  30,  1851;  and  Estelle  Sibley,  born 
April  27,  1857.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  Johnson  were  born  three  chil- 
dren: Winslow,  born  Jan.  27,  1864,  superintendent  of  the  county  home 
of  Crawford  County,  Pa.;  Dr.  Earl  B.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and 
Dr.  Elton  M.,  born  April  3,  1870,  a  physician,  died  Jan.  18,  1923,  at 
Portland,  Ore. 

Dr.  Earl  B.  Johnson  attended  the  rural  schools  of  Crawford  County 
and  after  completing  a  high  school  course  at  Cambridge,  Pa.,  he  entered 
Bellevue  Medical  College,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1891.  He  spent 
several  years  in  post  graduate  work  and  in  1897  went  to  Europe,  where 
he  did  hospital  work  in  London.  Before  coming  to  Erie  in  1913  he  prac- 
ticed his  profession  at  Cambridge,  Pa.    His  offices  are  at  2102  Peach  Street. 


I 


746  History  of  Erie  County 

On  March  31,  1897,  Dr.  Johnson  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Ora  Mechling,  who  was  born  in  Jefferson  County,  Pa.,  March  22,  1872, 
the  daughter  of  Rev.  J.  H.  and  Rebecca  (Morrow)  Mechling.  Reverend 
MechUng  was  born  May  26,  1837,  and  died  May  11,  1917.  He  was  a 
minister  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  served  in  the  ministry 
from  1868  until  1895.  His  wife  was  born  in  1839  and  died  in  1883.  They 
were  the  parents  of  four  children:  Elizabeth  M.  Robinson,  lives  in  West 
Virginia ;  Frank,  deceased ;  John  M.,  lives  in  Butler  County,  Pa. ;  and  Mrs. 
Johnson. 

Dr.  Johnson  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  and  is  a  member 
of  the  Masonic  lodge  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  is 
a  capable  physician  and  surgeon  and  ranks  among  the  leaders  of  his 
profession. 

Dr,  T.  W.  Blakeslee,  a  widely  known  physician  and  surgeon  of  Erie, 
was  born  at  Luzerne,  Pa.,  March  19,  1860,  and  is  the  son  of  Charles  M. 
and  Frances  (Parker)  Blakeslee. 

Charles  M.  Blakeslee  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  is  of  Scotch- 
Irish  descent.  He  was  born  April  1,  1835,  and  spent  his  entire  life  in 
Pennsylvania  where  he  was  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business.  He 
died  December,  1924.  His  wife,  a  native  of  Wyoming  County,  Pa.,  was 
born  in  1834  and  died  in  1905.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blakeslee  were  the  parents 
of  the  following  children:  Jerome  B.,  lives  at  Muncy,  Pa.;  Dr.  T.  W., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Matthew,  lives  at  Muncy,  Pa.;  Maggie,  twin 
sister  of  Matthew,  lives  at  Elimsport,  Pa.;  and  John  B.,  lives  in  Chicago. 

Dr.  T.  W.  Blakeslee  was  educated  in  the  district  schools  of  his  native 
state  and  in  1898  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of  Medicine  from  Louis- 
ville Medical  College.  After  taking  a  year's  post  graduate  work  at  Louis- 
ville (Ky.)  Medical  College  and  one  year  post  graduate  work  at  Tulane 
University  of  New  Orleans,  La.,  Dr.  Blakeslee  was  an  interne  in  the  city 
hospital  there.  After  taking  a  year's  course  of  study  in  the  IHinois  School 
of  Electro-Therapeutics,  where  he  specialized  in  the  study  of  X-ray, 
Dr.  Blakeslee  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Danville,  Pa.  After 
three  years  there  he  spent  a  year  at  York,  Pa.,  and  afterward  located  in 
Erie,  where  he  took  over  the  practice  established  by  Dr.  Sipe.  He  has 
been  in  his  present  location,  924  Peach  Street,  since  1913.  He  specializes 
in  diseases  of  the  stomach  and  intestines,  and  has  a  well  established 
practice. 


I 


History  of  Erie  County  747 

On  April  23,  1889,  Dr.  Blakeslee  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Anna  Springer,  and  to  this  union  were  born  seven  children,  as  follows: 
Harvey  T.,  lives  in  Portland,  Ore. ;  Addie  Sprague,  lives  in  Portland ; 
Frances  Farber,  lives  in  Cleveland;  George,  lives  in  Erie;  Beatrice  Peth, 
lives  in  Wheeling,  W.  Va. ;  Cyril,  lives  in  Cleveland ;  and  Warner  Mc- 
Dowell, lives  in  Erie. 

Politically  Dr.  Blakeslee  is  a  Republican,  and  is  identified  with  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  a  progressive  man  and  is  held 
in  high  esteem  throughout  the  county. 

Dr.  A.  M.  Kalson,  one  of  the  well  known  younger  physicians  and  sur- 
geons of  Erie,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profes- 
sion at  218  West  8th  Street,  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  born 
in  Pittsburgh,  Oct.  14,  1892,  and  is  the  son  of  Harry  and  Hinde  Libbe 
(Hurwitz)   Kalson. 

Harry  Kalson  is  a  native  of  Russia,  as  is  also  his  wife.  After  their 
marriage  in  1891  they  came  to  this  country  and  settled  in  Pittsburgh, 
where  he  was  engaged  in  general  contracting  and  for  the  past  12  years  has 
been  successfully  engaged  in  the  laundry  business.  He  is  also  interested 
in  real  estate  and  has  served  as  city  councilman.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kalson 
were  born  eight  children,  as  follows:  Dr.  A.  M.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch;  Samuel,  Isadore,  and  Ralph,  all  live  in  Pittsburgh;  Jacob  E.,  an 
attorney,  and  William,  who  live  in  Pittsburgh;  Sarah  L.,  died  in  infancy; 
and  Ruth,  lives  in  Pittsburgh. 

Dr.  A.  M.  Kalson  was  reared  and  educated  in  Pittsburgh  and  after 
his  graduation  from  high  school  in  1911  he  entered  the  University  of 
Pittsburgh,  where  he  remained  three  years.  He  received  his  degree  in 
medicine  at  Cincinnati  University  in  1916,  and  the  following  year  was 
located  in  Pittsburgh  as  an  interne.  He  engaged  in  the  general  practice 
of  his  profession  at  Chickasaw,  Pa.,  the  next  year  and  in  August,  1919, 
removed  to  Erie. 

On  Aug.  5,  1917,  Dr.  Kalson  was  married  to  Miss  Ida  M.  Safran,  a 
native  of  Baltimore,  Md.,  born  April  18,  1899,  and  the  daughter  of  Philip 
and  Molly  Safran.  Mr.  Safran  now  resides  in  Baltimore,  Md.  His  wife 
is  deceased.  To  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Kalson  have  been  born  two  daughters: 
Mildred  E.,  born  Nov.  5,  1919,  and  Dorothy  R.,  born  Sept.  14,  1924. 

Doctor  Kalson  is  a  member  of  the  American  Medical  Association,  the 
Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association  and  the   Erie  County  Medical 


748  History  of  Erie  County 

Society.  He  is  a  Republican  and  belongs  to  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America  and  the  Elks  lodge.  As  a  physician  and  surgeon  and  a  citizen, 
Doctor  Kalson  ranks  high  in  the  community. 

Theodore  Sprague  is  a  prominent  citizen  of  North  East  and  a  member 
of  a  family  that  has  long  been  identified  with  the  agricultural  interests 
of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  North  East,  April  9,  1888,  and  is  the  son 
of  Theodore  and  Laura  Edna  (Mason)  Sprague. 

Theodore  Sprague,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  East  Bloomfield,  Ontario 
County,  N.  Y.,  born  Oct.  4,  1848.  His  wife  was  born  at  Wales,  Ontario 
County,  N.  Y.,  June  20,  1850.  After  coming  to  Erie  County  in  1874  Mr. 
Sprague  became  interested  in  farming  and  owned  38  acres  of  well  im- 
proved land  near  North  East.  They  built  the  Lakedale  Hotel  at  Free- 
port  in  1905,  which  is  now  conducted  during  the  summer  months  by  mem- 
bers of  the  family.  Mr.  Sprague  died  Aug.  3,  1921,  and  is  bui'ied  in  North 
East  Cemetery.  There  were  four  children  in  the  Sprague  family:  George 
H.,  born  March  13,  1883,  married  Ethel  Adams,  of  Ipswich,  Mass.,  and 
they  live  at  Hamilton,  Mass.;  Julia,  born  May  5,  1885,  married  Feb.  6, 
1911,  Albert  M.  Barnes,  Jr.,  an  attorney,  lives  in  New  York  City;  Theo- 
dore, the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Walter  K.,  born  Feb.  8,  1890,  a  pro- 
fessor, lives  at  Hightstown,  N.  J.,  mai-ried  Joyce  Ricart.  He  served 
throughout  the  World  War. 

Theodore  Sprague  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  of  North 
East  and  was  graduated  from  Cook  Academy  at  Montour  Falls,  N.  Y.,  in 
1907.  After  spending  two  years  at  Colgate  University  he  entered  Cornell 
University,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1912.  He  then  went  to 
Mount  Kisco,  N.  Y.,  as  a  fruit  expert  for  the  Bedford  Farmer's  Cooperative 
Association,  with  whom  he  remained  until  1915.  From  there  he  went  to 
Seaford,  Del.,  as  superintendent  of  the  Sunnyside  Orchard  Company,  and 
in  1919  went  to  Cheswold,  Del.,  as  superintendent  of  Commercial  Orchards 
of  Delaware.  Jan.  1,  1921,  Mr.  Sprague  came  to  North  East  where  he 
has  since  been  engaged  in  fruit  growing. 

In  June,  1915,  Mr.  Sprague  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Edith 
Gilmore,  of  Salem,  N.  Y.,  born  Oct.  17,  1886,  and  the  daughter  of  George 
and  Isabel  (Reid)  Gilmore,  both  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sprague  have 
four  children:  Margaret,  born  March  31,  1916;  Theodore,  Jr.,  born  March 
5,  1917;  Dorothy,  born  Aug.  5,  1920,  died  July  9,  1924;  and  Reid  Gilmore, 


THKODORE     SPRAGUB 


MRS.     THEODORE     SPRAGUE 


LAKELAND  HOTEL.    NEAR   NORTH   EAST — THE   HISTORIC   OLD    SPRAGUE 
HOMESTEAD  REMODELED 


History  of  Erie  County  749 

born  June  9,  1922.  Mi's.  Sprague  is  a  graduate  of  Mount  Holyoke  College, 
Massachusetts.  She  is  a  member  of  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revo- 
lution and  belongs  to  the  Fortnightly  Club  of  North  East. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sprague  hold  membership  in  the  Presbyterian  church 
and  he  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge,  the  North  East  Golf  Club,  and  the 
Delta  Upsilon  fraternity.  He  and  his  wife  are  highly  esteemed  and  have 
a  wide  acquaintance  in  Erie  County. 

Dr.  Rollin  H.  Anderson,  a  prominent  young  dentist  of  Erie,  was  born 
at  Muncy,  Pa.,  July  20,  1890,  and  is  the  son  of  George  H.  and  Anna  M. 
(Hockley)  Anderson.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Anderson,  who  reside  at  Muncy,  have 
five  children,  as  follows:  Theodore  R.,  and  Willis  E.,  live  in  Muncy;  Dr. 
Rollin  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Claud  R.  and  Clyde  H.,  twins, 
died  in  infancy. 

Dr.  Rollin  H.  Anderson  grew  up  in  Muncy,  Pa.,  and  attended  the  public 
and  high  schools  there,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1912.  He  then 
attended  Lycoming  County  Normal  School  and  after  teaching  for  several 
terms,  entered  Potts  Business  College  at  Williamsport,  Pa.  He  was  then 
employed  by  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  in  a  clerical  position  and 
after  a  short  time  entered  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  where  he 
studied  dentistry  and  received  his  degree  in  1919.  Doctor  Anderson  then 
took  up  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Erie  where  he  has  since  been 
located.  He  has  been  efficient  and  successful  in  his  work  and  is  widely 
known. 

Politically  Doctor  Anderson  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Central  Presbyterian  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  and  Elks  lodges. 
He  is  identified  with  the  Erie  Dental  Association,  the  Lake  Erie  Dental 
Association  and  the  American  Dental  Association. 

Dr.  H.  C.  Galster  has  been  a  successful  and  well  known  physician  and 
surgeon  of  Erie  for  the  past  32  years.  He  was  born  in  northern  Germany, 
June  1,  1862,  and  is  the  son  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Koch)  Galster. 

William  Galster  was  a  cooper  by  trade  and  in  1866  brought  his  family 
to  this  country  and  located  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  he  remained  but  a 
short  time,  later  removing  to  Michigan.  Ten  years  later,  however,  he 
returned  to  Buffalo,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  died 
in  1909  at  the  age  of  88  years  and  his  wife  died  in  1911  at  the  age  of 
87  years.     They  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:     William 


750  History  op  Erie  County 

deceased;  Sophia  Rebmann,  lives  in  Buffalo;  John;  Louise,  deceased; 
Henry,  lives  in  Buffalo;  Fred,  engaged  in  the  jewelry  business  in  Toronto, 
Canada;  Louie,  deceased;  and  Dr.  H.  C,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Dr.  H.  C.  Galster  was  reared  in  Buffalo,  where  he  attended  the  public 
schools.  He  attended  the  Cleveland  Medical  College  and  received  his  de- 
gree as  Doctor  of  Medicine  in  1892.  Since  that  time  he  has  practiced  his 
profession  continuously  in  Erie,  where  he  is  known  as  a  thoroughly  com- 
petent physician  and  surgeon.     His  oi!ice  is  at  129  West  25th  Street. 

Doctor  Galster's  first  marriage  was  to  Miss  Sophia  Margaret  Pett,  a 
native  of  England,  who  died  at  the  age  of  32  years,  leaving  the  following 
children:  Agnes  M.  Allen;  Dr.  Henry,  a  physician,  lives  at  Hudson,  N.  Y. ; 
and  Norman,  lives  in  New  York.  Doctor  Galster  was  married  the  second 
time  to  Miss  Caroline  VanBusch,  who  died  Dec.  3,  1920.  To  this  union 
were  born  three  children :  Herman  W.,  a  physician,  lives  in  Schenectady, 
N.  Y. ;  Paul  V.,  a  student  in  Erie ;  and  one  child  died  in  infancy. 

Doctor  Galster  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society,  the 
American  Institute  of  Homeopathic  Physicians,  and  other  various  medical 
societies.     He  is  a  Republican  and  a  member  of  the  Masonic  lodge. 

Dr.  F.  P.  McCarthy  has  been  a  successful  and  well  known  physician 
and  surgeon  of  Erie  for  the  past  14  years  and  is  a  veteran  of  the  World 
War.  He  was  born  at  Oil  City,  Pa.,  March  13,  1879,  and  is  the  son  of 
P.  T.  and  Margaret  (McCuUough)  McCarthy. 

P.  T.  McCarthy,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Ireland  and  a  pioneer  drug- 
gist of  Oil  City,  Pa.,  where  he  engaged  in  business  for  40  years.  His 
wife  was  born  in  Philadelphia  and  now  resides  in  Pittsburgh.  There  were 
seven  children  in  the  McCarthy  family  as  follows:  Dr.  F.  P.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch;  Mary,  resides  in  Pittsburgh  with  her  mother;  Louis,  a 
druggist,  lives  in  Wyoming;  John,  engaged  in  the  automobile  business  at 
Oil  City,  Pa. ;  Loretta,  a  nurse,  lives  in  Detroit,  Mich. ;  Thomas,  was 
killed  during  the  World  War  while  serving  in  the  aviation ;  and  Margaret, 
deceased. 

Dr.  F.  P.  McCarthy  was  reared  in  Oil  City,  Pa.,  and  was  graduated 
from  the  local  high  school  in  1897.  In  1901  he  received  his  degree  as 
Doctor  of  Medicine  at  Jefferson  Medical  College,  and  spent  the  following 
year  as  an  interne  in  St.  Luke's  Hospital  at  South  Bethlehem,  Pa.  He 
then  practiced  his  profession  at  Oil  City  until  1911,  when  he  removed  to 
Erie.    He  has  taken  post  graduate  work  in  New  York  city  and  has  been 


History  of  Erie  County  751 

a  member  of  St.  Vincent's  Hospital  staff  for  13  years.  He  also  served  on 
the  Hamot  Hospital  staff  for  three  years,  as  a  surgeon  for  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  for  seven  years,  and  as  a  surgeon  at  St.  Joseph's  Orphan 
Asylum  Hospital. 

Dr.  McCarthy  served  as  a  lieutenant  during  the  World  War,  having 
enlisted  in  October,  1917.  After  being  located  at  Fort  Oglethorpe  and 
Camp  Custer,  Battle  Creek,  Mich.,  he  was  sent  to  France,  where  he  saw 
active  service  in  the  hospitals  at  the  front.  After  his  discharge,  May  2, 
1919,  he  resumed  his  practice  in  Erie,  where  he  is  known  as  a  thoroughly 
competent  physician  and  surgeon. 

On  April  14,  1910,  Dr.  McCarthy  was  married  to  Miss  Maud  Emery, 
who  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  Oct.  25,  1876. 

Dr.  McCarthy  is  a  member  of  the  American  Medical  Association,  the 
Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association,  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society 
and  the  American  College  of  Surgeons.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic 
Church. 

Dr.  T.  Palmer  Tredway,  physician  and  surgeon,  is  an  able  man  in  his 
profession  and  a  citizen  of  progressive  ideals.  He  was  born  in  Wash- 
ington, D.  C,  March  17,  1885,  and  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Silas  B.  and 
Cornelia    (Palmer)   Tredway. 

Rev.  Silas  B.  Tredway  was  born  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  and  was  a  minister 
of  the  Methodist  Protestant  church  for  45  years.  He  died  July  7,  1917, 
and  his  wife,  a  native  of  Leipsic,  Del.,  resides  in  Washington,  D.  C.  She 
was  born  May  23,  1855.  Rev.  Silas  B.  and  Mrs.  Tredway,  who  were  mar- 
ried in  1875,  were  the  parents  of  three  children:  Alice  Stevenson,  lives 
at  Newark,  N.  J. ;  Idella  W.,  lives  in  Washington,  D.  C. ;  and  Dr.  T.  Palmer. 

Dr.  T.  Palmer  Tredway  attended  Western  Maryland  Preparatory  School 
and  in  1906  received  his  degree  of  A.  B.  from  Western  Medical  College. 
In  1910  he  was  graduated  in  medicine  from  John  Hopkins  University, 
and  the  following  year  served  as  an  interne  at  Adrian  Hospital.  Since 
March  1,  1911,  Doctor  Tredway  has  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his 
profession  in  Erie.  He  is  a  specialist  in  pathological  work  and  is  attendant 
obstetrician  at  Hamot  Hospital  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  staff  of  St. 
Vincent's  Hospital  and  the  Infant's  Home. 

On  Nov.  12,  1912,  Doctor  Tredway  was  united  in  marriage  with  Sliss 
Caroline  Bufhngton,  a  native  of  New  Windsor,  Md.,  and  the  daughter  of 
Dr.  John  and  Mary  Buffington.    Doctor  BufRngton  died  in  1902.    To  Doctor 


752  History  of  Erie  County 

and  Mrs.  Tredway  have  been  bom  two  children:     John  Buffington,  born 
May  11,  1914;  and  Thomas  Palmer,  born  March  11,  1916. 

Doctor  Tredway  is  a  Republican  and  his  wife  is  identified  with  the 
Democratic  party.  He  is  a  member  of  the  American  Medical  Association 
and  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society.  Doctor  Tredway  is  a  32nd  degree 
Mason.    He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Erie  County  Historical  Society. 

Edwin  W.  Hatch,  a  prominent  and  highly  esteemed  citizen  of  Union 
City,  is  a  man  whose  name  is  connected  with  the  pioneer  days  of  Erie 
County.  He  was  born  at  Hatch  Hollow,  Amity  Township,  Erie  County, 
Nov.  16,  1835,  and  is  the  son  of  Jason  C.  and  EHzabeth  (King)  Hatch. 

Jason  C.  Hatch  was  a  son  of  Roswell  Hatch,  a  soldier  in  the  War  of 
1812,  a  prominent  citizen  and  founder  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
at  Hatch  Hollow,  where  he  passed  his  life.  Jason  C.  Hatch  was  born  in 
Herkimer  County,  N.  Y.,  in  1808,  and  died  in  1864.  He  was  extensively 
engaged  in  farming  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  owned  600  acres  of  land 
in  Erie  County.  He  was  a  leading  citizen  of  his  time  and  held  many 
public  offices.  There  were  15  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jason  C. 
Hatch,  as  follows:  Sylvia,  deceased;  Edwin  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
Hollis,  deceased ;  Cyrus,  died  in  service  during  the  Civil  War ;  Daniel 
Webster,  a  Civil  War  veteran,  died  in  1920 ;  Mary  Ann,  deceased ;  Arvilla, 
married  Hiram  Palmer,  both  deceased;  George,  a  Civil  War  veteran,  lives 
retired  in  Kansas;  W.  Scott,  a  ranch  owner,  lives  in  Montana;  Julia,  de- 
ceased; Elwin  W.,  died  in  Montana  in  1921;  Wilson;  Eugene  L.,  lives  in 
North  Dakota;  Fred  J.,  deceased;  and  William  W.,  died  in  infancy. 

Edwin  W.  Hatch  was  educated  in  a  log  school  house  in  Hatch  Hollow 
and  was  graduated  from  Waterford  Academy  in  1851.  He  began  life  as 
a  farmer  and  in  1864  removed  to  Union  City  where  he  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  staves  for  several  years.  He  then  became  interested  in 
the  real  estate  business.  He  allotted  25  acres  which  he  sold  at  what  is 
known  as  Hatch  Hill  subdivision.  In  1872  he  and  his  brother  George 
began  the  manufacture  of  brooms,  and  operated  the  first  broom  factory 
in  the  state  of  Pennsylvania.  The  partnership  continued  for  three  years 
when  Edwin  W.  purchased  his  brother's  interest  in  the  business,  which 
has  since  been  known  as  E.  W.  Hatch  &  Sons.  Mr.  Hatch  has  been  promi- 
nent in  the  business  affairs  of  his  city  and  for  many  years  served  as 
president  of  the  National  Bank  of  Union  City. 


MR.  AND  MRS.   E.   W.   H.\TCH 


History  of  Erie  County  753 

Mr.  Hatch  was  married  first  Dec.  10,  1856,  to  Miss  Nancy  Chaffee, 
who  was  born  in  Amity  Township,  Erie  County,  July  24,  1836,  and  died  in 
March,  1905.  To  them  were  born  four  children:  Leon  W.,  born  Nov.  9, 
1857,  associated  in  business  with  his  father;  Francis  T.,  born  Jan.  9,  1861, 
manager  of  the  E.  W.  Hatch  &  Sons;  Dr.  Philip  Luther,  born  Oct.  13, 
1871,  a  veteran  of  the  World  War,  and  a  prominent  physician  and  surgeon 
of  Union  City;  and  Augustus  Edwin,  born  Nov.  2,  1874,  a  ranch  owner 
of  Montana,  where  he  has  a  section  of  land  of  640  acres. 

On  July  26,  1906,  Mr.  Hatch  was  married  to  Miss  Martha  L.  Fuller, 
who  was  born  at  Richmondville,  Schoharie  County,  N.  Y.,  June  2,  1845, 
the  daughter  of  Leroy  and  Ann  Janet  (Dennis)  Fuller,  natives  of  New 
York  and  parents  of  the  following  children:  Nicholas,  boi-n  Aug.  29,  1831, 
died  Aug.  2,  1901;  Dolly,  born  June  9,  1834,  died  in  infancy;  Elias,  born 
July  18,  1835,  died  in  infancy;  Sarah  A.,  born  Oct.  29,  1836,  died  May  13, 
1888 ;  Hannah  M.,  born  Dec.  15,  1839,  died  in  infancy ;  Levi,  born  in  1841, 
died  in  1914;  Mrs.  Hatch;  Tirzah,  born  Jan.  10,  1849,  married  Levi  Van- 
Voorhis,  Uves  in  South  Dakota.  Mr.  Fuller  died  March  30,  1893,  and  his 
wife  died  May  13,  1882. 

Mr.  Hatch  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  church  and 
have  a  wide  acquaintance  in  Erie  County. 

Dr.  B.  Swayne  Putts,  who  ranks  among  the  leading  and  successful 
physicians  and  surgeons  of  Erie,  was  born  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  Feb.  26, 
1882,  and  is  the  son  of  J.  W.  and  Mary  L.  (Meredith)  Putts. 

J.  W.  Putts  was  a  native  of  Virginia  and  his  wife  was  born  in  Mary- 
land. He  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  in  Baltimore  for  44  years 
and  became  prosperous.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Putts,  now  deceased,  were  the 
parents  of  four  children:  A.  C,  lives  in  Baltimore;  W.  E.,  deceased;  Dr. 
B.  Swayne,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Mabel  Gardner,  lives  in 
Baltimore. 

Dr.  B.  Swayne  Putts  attended  the  public  schools  of  Baltimore.  In 
1902  he  received  his  A.  B.  degree  and  in  1906  his  M.  D.  degree  at  John 
Hopkins  University,  after  which  he  spent  a  year  as  an  interne  in  Alle- 
gheny Hospital,  Pittsburgh.  After  practicing  his  profession  in  that  city 
for  some  time  he  served  as  physician  at  the  Massachusetts  State  Sani- 
tarium for  one  year,  and  the  next  two  years  was  physician  at  the  Penn- 
sylvania State  Sanitarium.  He  began  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Erie 
in  1911  and  in  1917  returned  to  John  Hopkins  University  where  he  spe- 
(48) 


754  History  of  Erie  County 

cialized  in  the  study  of  Roentgenology.    He  has  since  specialized  in  X-ray 

work  and  is  Roentgenologist  at  both  Hamot  and  St.  Vincent's  Hospitals. 

On  May  25,  1910,  Doctor  Putts  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Edna 

B.  Buhl,  a  native  of  Butler  County,  Pa.,  and  they  have  one  child,  Christine 
D.,  born  Jan.  17,  1912. 

Doctor  Putts  is  a  member  of  the  American  Medical  Association,  the 
Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association,  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society, 
the  Radiological  Society,  and  the  American  Roentgenray  Society.  He  is 
identified  with  the  Masonic  lodge  and  is  a  member  of  the  University  and 
Kahkwa  Club.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Park  Presbyterian  Church  and  he 
and  his  wife  are  favorably  known  in  Erie,  where  they  have  a  wide  circle 
of  friends  and  acquaintances. 

Dr,  J.  W.  Schilling  ranks  among  the  successful  and  well  known  young 
physicians  and  surgeons  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  April  1,  1895, 
and  is  the  son  of  William  J.  and  Jane  (Gills)  Schilling. 

William  J.  Schilling  was  born  in  Pittsburgh  in  1865  and  is  a  pioneer 
resident  of  Erie,  where  he  is  engaged  in  business.  His  wife  was  born  in 
New  England.    To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schilling  were  born  seven  children :     Roy 

C,  lives  in  Chicago;  Florence  Kent,  lives  in  Los  Angeles,  Cal. ;  Dr.  J.  W., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Leona,  lives  in  Erie;  Julius  C,  student  at  the 
University  of  Pittsburgh ;  Jennie ;  and  William  J.,  Jr.,  both  at  home. 

Dr.  J.  W.  Schilling  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools 
of  Erie  and  was  graduated  from  high  school  in  1915.  After  attending 
Muhlenberg  College  at  Allentown,  Pa.,  he  entered  the  University  of  Mary- 
land at  Baltimore,  where  he  received  his  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine 
in  1921.  The  next  year  was  spent  in  St.  Vincent's  Hospital,  Erie,  and  on 
Oct.  1,  1922,  Doctor  Schilling  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  1818 
Chestnut  Street,  where  he  has  met  with  success. 

On  Aug.  5,  1924,  Doctor  Schilling  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Lois  Johnston,  the  daughter  of  Frank  and  Flora  (Coleburg)  Johnston, 
residents  of  Erie. 

Doctor  Schilling  is  a  member  of  St.  Vincent's  and  Hamot  Hospital 
staif,  and  is  connected  with  the  Erie  General  Dispensary.  He  is  identified 
with  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society,  the  Erie  Clinical  Society,  the  Penn- 
sylvania State  Medical  Association,  and  the  American  Medical  Associa- 
tion. He  belongs  to  the  University  Club.  During  the  World  War  Doctor 
Schilling  served  as  a  fii-st-class  hospital  apprentice  for  a  period  of  six 
months. 


History  of  Erie  County  755 

Dr.  James  H.  Kelsey  has  been  a  successful  and  well  known  dentist  of 
Erie  since  1901.  He  is  a  native  of  England,  born  July  3,  1877,  and  the 
son  of  George  and  Margaret  (Stubbs)  Kelsey. 

George  Kelsey  and  his  wife  were  natives  of  England  and  settled  in 
Toronto,  Canada,  in  1882,  where  he  was  engaged  in  the  mercantile  busi- 
ness for  a  number  of  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kelsey,  both  of  whom  are  now 
deceased,  had  five  children. 

After  attending  the  public  schools  of  Toronto,  Dr.  Kelsey  matricu- 
lated into  Trinity  University.  He  then  entered  the  Royal  College  of 
Dental  Surgeons  of  Ontario  and  in  1900  was  graduated  from  that  college 
with  the  title  of  L.  D.  S.  and  received  the  degree  of  D.  D.  S.  from  the 
University  of  Toronto.  In  1913  he  took  post  graduate  work  there,  re- 
ceiving the  degree  of  Master  of  Dental  Surgery  and  has  since  taken  post 
graduate  work  in  many  of  the  large  centers  of  learning  both  in  America 
and  Europe.  In  1917  he  was  appointed  Oral  Surgeon  on  the  staff  of 
Hamot  Hospital.  Since  1901  he  has  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession in  Erie,  where  he  has  a  well  established  practice,  with  offices  at 
714  Sassafras  Street. 

On  June  27,  1906,  Doctor  Kelsey  was  married  to  Miss  Kathleen  Cor- 
son, and  they  have  two  children:  Patience,  born  in  1907,  and  Arthur, 
born  in  1912. 

Dr.  Kelsey  is  identified  with  the  American  Medical  Association,  the 
American  Dental  Association,  State  and  local  dental  societies.  He  is  a 
Republican,  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Church,  and  belongs  to  the 
Masonic  lodge,  the  Shrine,  Rotary  Club,  University  Club,  Delta  Sigma 
Delta  fraternity,  Kahkwa  Club  and  various  other  organizations. 

Dr.  F.  H.  Paul,  a  popular  and  successful  dentist  of  Erie,  was  boi'n  at 
Titusville,  Pa.,  Aug.  21,  1875,  and  is  the  son  of  A.  0.  and  Electa  (Sargent) 
Paul. 

A.  0.  Paul,  who  lives  at  Girard,  Pa.,  has  been  the  proprietor  of  the 
Girard  Hotel  for  the  past  16  years.  His  wife  was  born  in  Crawford 
County,  Pa.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Paul  were  born  two  children:  Elnora, 
died  at  the  age  of  eight  years;  and  Dr.  F.  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Dr.  F.  H.  Paul  received  his  early  education  in  the  schools  of  Spring- 
boro.  Pa.,  and  in  1899  was  graduated  from  the  Philadelphia  Dental  Col- 
lege. After  practicing  his  profession  at  Springboro  for  three  years,  he 
spent  five  years  in  Pittsburgh,  and  in  1907  established  his  practice  at 


756  History  of  Erie  County 

Erie.  With  the  exception  of  five  years,  during  which  time  Doctor  Paul 
engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business  in  Erie,  he  has  practiced  his  pro- 
fession in  Erie.    His  office  is  located  at  520-21-22  Commerce  Building. 

Doctor  Paul  was  married  on  Sept.  9,  1907,  to  Miss  Margaret  Schusler, 
a  native  of  Pittsburgh,  and  the  daughter  of  John  and  Louise  Schusler, 
both  deceased. 

Doctor  Paul  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  and  he  ranks 
among  the  substantial  citizens  of  his  community. 

John  Melhorn  Hirt,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  automobile 
insurance  business  in  Erie  with  offices  in  the  Commerce  Building,  is  a 
native  of  Erie.  He  was  born  Aug.  15,  1879,  and  is  the  son  of  Frank  W. 
and  Sarah  Melhorn  Hirt. 

Frank  W.  Hirt  is  also  a  native  of  Erie  and  throughout  his  life  has 
been  interested  in  the  business  activities  of  the  city.  In  1895  he  with 
his  son  John  M.  founded  the  Erie  Mantel  and  Tile  Company,  today  one  of 
the  leading  industries  of  its  kind  in  Pennsylvania.  About  1920  Frank  W. 
Hirt  retired  from  active  business  and  now  resides  at  his  family  residence, 
1016  Wayne  Street.  His  wife  died  in  1921  at  the  age  of  68  years.  To 
Frank  W.  Hirt  and  wife  were  born  two  sons  and  three  daughters,  all  of 
whom  are  now  living. 

The  ancestors  of  John  M.  Hirt  played  an  intimate  part  in  the  early 
activities  of  both  the  county  and  city  of  Erie.  His  grandfather  on  his 
mother's  side,  the  late  Rev.  J.  K.  Melhorn,  at  the  beginning  of  the  Nine- 
teenth Century  came  to  Erie  County  with  his  parents  in  their  covered 
wagons,  driving  with  all  their  earthly  possessions  from  Lancaster  County. 
They  bought  large  tracts  of  land  on  the  bank  of  Lake  Erie  in  Fairview 
Township.  Several  hundred  acres  of  what  is  now  the  most  valuable  lake 
front  property  belonged  to  the  Melhorns  and  was  only  disposed  of  in 
recent  years. 

The  original  log  house,  built  of  logs  cut  and  put  together  while  the 
family  lived  in  their  wagons,  still  stands  where  it  was  built  more  than  a 
hundred  years  ago.  The  Lutheran  church  at  Fairview  was  built  largely 
through  the  efforts  of  the  Melhorns.  The  old  church  moved  from  its 
original  location  is  today  the  Fairview  town  hall  and  is  in  a  perfect  state 
of  preservation. 

Rev.  J.  K.  Melhorn  was  educated  in  the  old  Erie  Academy  and  for 
a  number  of  years  was  a  teacher  in  that  institution. 


JOHN    M.    HIRT 


History  of  Erie  County  757 

John  M.  Hirt  received  his  education  in  the  pubhc  schools  here  and 
after  leaving  scliool  was  for  20  years  associated  with  the  Metric  Metal 
Works  of  Erie.  In  1918  Mr.  Hirt  was  appointed  manager  of  the  Erie 
branch  office  of  the  Pennsylvania  Indemnity  Company,  which  business 
has  prospered  under  Mr.  Hirt's  direction  from  a  small  beginning  until 
today  in  the  Erie  office  a  force  of  12  persons  are  engaged  and  about  44 
more  report  to  the  Erie  office  from  outlying  territory  supervised  by  this 
office.  The  business  represented  by  Mr.  Hirt  is  today  one  of  the  largest 
of  its  kind  in  the  world. 

In  1903  Mr.  Hirt  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Bertha  Offerle, 
of  Warren,  Pa.,  a  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Nancy  Offerle,  residents  of 
Warren.  Rev.  J.  K.  Melhorn,  grandfather  of  Mr.  Hirt,  officiated.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hirt  have  been  born  three  children:  John  0.,  born  in  1912; 
Willard  Frederick,  born  in  1920;  and  Nancy  Elizabeth,  born  in  1922. 

Mr.  Hirt  in  addition  to  being  a  substantial  citizen  is  widely  and 
favorably  known. 

Dr.  P.  P.  Parsons,  who  ranks  among  the  leading  and  successful  of  the 
younger  physicians  and  surgeons  of  Erie,  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania. 
He  was  born  at  Kane,  Dec.  17,  1885,  and  is  the  son  of  Rev.  J.  A.  and 
Josephine  (Peters)  Parsons. 

Reverend  Parsons  was  born  in  Ontario,  Canada,  July  16,  1853,  and  was 
a  prominent  minister  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  during  his  life 
and  served  in  the  Erie  Conference.  He  died  Feb.  26,  1913,  and  his  wife 
resides  at  1249  West  9th  Street,  Erie.  She  was  born  at  London,  Ontario, 
Canada,  Nov.  7,  1858,  and  was  married  to  Reverend  Parsons  in  1883.  To 
them  three  children  were  born:  Dr.  P.  P.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
Mary  V.  Whitmarsh,  lives  at  McKeesport,  Pa. ;  and  Joseph  H.,  deceased, 
mention  of  whom  is  made  below. 

Dr.  Joseph  H.  Parsons  was  killed  while  in  service  during  the  Woi'ld 
War.  He  was  a  dentist  in  Erie  and  at  the  time  of  his  enlistment  was 
commissioned  a  first  lieutenant  with  the  313th  Machine  Gun  Battalion. 
He  was  killed  during  the  Meuse-Argonne  Drive,  Nov.  4,  1918.  He  left 
a  widow,  Rosella  (Wilson)  Parsons. 

Dr.  P.  P.  Parsons  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Reyn- 
oldsville,  Pa.,  and  after  completing  his  high  school  course  in  1905,  he  took 
a  course  at  Allegheny  College,  which  he  completed  in  1909,  receiving  the 
A.  B.  degree.     He  then  entered  the  Medical  School  of  the  Universitv  of 


758  History  of  Erie  County 

Pennsylvania,  from  which  he  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of  Medicine 
in  1913.  His  interne  work  was  done  at  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Hospital 
of  Philadelphia  and  in  1914  Doctor  Parsons  began  the  practice  of  his 
profession  in  Erie  at  1017  West  10th  Street.  Since  1920  he  has  been 
located  at  1022  West  8th  Street.  He  has  built  up  a  large  practice  and  is 
widely  known  as  an  able  physician.  Doctor  Parsons  specializes  in  obste- 
trical work  and  internal  medicine.  He  is  a  member  of  the  staff  of  St. 
Vincent's  Hospital. 

Doctor  Parsons  was  married  Sept.  14,  1910,  to  Miss  Lillian  Harries 
of  Reynoldsville,  Pa.,  and  they  have  three  children:  Miriam,  born  Nov. 
22,  1916;  William  H.,  born  June  28,  1919;  and  Louise,  born  Jan.  31,  1922. 

In  politics  Doctor  Parsons  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Kingsley  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  Erie,  and  be- 
longs to  the  American  Medical  Association,  the  Pennsylvania  State  Medi- 
cal Society,  and  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society.  He  is  also  a  member 
of  the  Phi  Delta  Theta  fraternity,  the  Phi  Betta  Kappa  honorary  frater- 
nity, the  Phi  Alpha  Sigma  medical  fraternity,  and  belongs  to  the  Elks 
lodge.  Doctor  Parsons  is  an  excellent  citizen  and  merits  the  high  esteem 
in  which  he  is  held  by  the  community. 

Dr.  Robert  L.  Gibbons  is  a  prominent  young  physician  and  surgeon 
of  Erie.  He  was  born  at  Greenville,  Pa.,  Oct.  13,  1892,  and  is  the  son 
of  P.  C.  and  Henrietta  (McMahon)  Gibbons. 

P.  C.  Gibbons  was  born  in  England  and  came  to  this  country  with  his 
parents  when  a  small  boy.  He  was  a  successful  merchant  at  Sharon,  Pa., 
for  many  years  and  now  lives  retired  there.  His  wife,  a  native  of  Penn- 
sylvania, is  deceased.  They  had  nine  children,  as  follows:  Clarie  Mink, 
lives  at  Sharon,  Pa. ;  Augusta,  lives  at  Sharon,  Pa. ;  Paul,  lives  at  Sharon, 
Pa.;  Dr.  Robert  L.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Stanley,  lives  at  Sharon; 
Florence  Lyman,  lives  at  Sharon;  Gertrude  Deforest,  lives  at  Sharon; 
Marion,  lives  at  Sharon;  and  one  child  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Gibbons  was 
married  the  second  time  to  Miss  Rose  Kahl,  of  Sharon. 

Dr.  Robert  L.  Gibbons  was  graduated  from  the  public  schools  of 
Sharon  in  1911,  after  which  he  entered  Pittsburgh  University.  After 
receiving  his  degree  in  1914  he  entered  the  Medical  School  of  the  same 
university,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1918.  The  following  year 
he  spent  at  Mercy  Hospital,  Pittsburgh.  He  began  the  practice  of  his 
profession  in  Erie  in  1919  and  is  located  at  420  East  11th  Street.    Doctor 


History  of  Erie  County  759 

Gibbons  is  examining  physician  for  the  Metropolitan  Life  Insurance  Com- 
pany and  the  Indiana  State  Life  Insurance  Company.  He  is  identified 
with  the  Erie,  State  and  American  Medical  Associations  and  is  a  progres- 
sive man  in  his  profession. 

On  Nov.  27,  1923,  Doctor  Gibbons  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Irene  Kuhn,  a  native  of  Erie  and  the  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Elizabeth 
(Conrath)   Kuhn.     They  have  one  child,  Robert  L.,  Jr. 

Doctor  Gibbons  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Catholic  church  and 
belongs  to  the  University  Club  and  the  Knights  of  Columbus. 

Dr.  F.  E.  Avery,  a  prominent  osteopathic  physician  of  Erie,  with  offices 
at  343  West  8th  Street,  was  born  in  Greene  County,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  29,  1872, 
and  is  the  son  of  Henry  A.  and  Rosella  (Whitcomb)  Avery. 

Henry  A.  Avery  was  a  native  of  New  York,  and  is  now  deceased. 
His  wife  resides  at  Westfield,  Mass.  They  were  the  parents  of  four  chil- 
dren: Nettie  Harwig,  lives  in  New  York  city;  Mary  Shephard,  lives  at 
Westfield,  Mass.;  Dr.  F.  E.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  John,  born  in 
1874,  died  in  1904. 

Dr.  F.  E.  Avery  received  his  early  education  in  the  schools  of  Massa- 
chusetts and  in  1910  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of  Osteopathy  at 
Kirksville,  Mo.  He  immediately  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in 
Erie,  where  he  has  a  well  established  reputation. 

In  September,  1907,  Doctor  Avery  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Anna  Chittenden,  of  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  and  they  have  three  children:  F.  E., 
Jr.,  born  Feb.  15,  1911;  Lewis  C,  born  May  22,  1913;  and  Ralph  Whit- 
comb, born  April  18,  1918. 

Doctor  Avery  has  always  been  progressive,  public  spirited,  and  is  a 
citizen  of  real  worth. 

Dr.  E.  J.  Dear,  a  successful  dentist  of  Erie,  who  has  been  engaged  in 
the  practice  of  his  profession  in  this  city  for  16  years,  is  a  native  of 
New  York.  He  was  born  at  .Rochester,  Jan.  31,  1885,  and  is  the  son  of 
John  and  Margaret   (Moon)   Dear. 

John  Dear  was  born  in  Ontario,  Canada,  and  for  many  years  has  lived 
in  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  where  he  is  a  building  contractor.  In  1882  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Margaret  Moon,  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Margaret  L. 
(Berry)  Moon,  natives  of  New  York.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dear  one  son  was 
born,  Dr.  E.  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 


760  History  of  Erie  County 

Dr.  E.  J.  Dear  was  graduated  from  East  High  School,  Rochester,  N.  Y., 
in  1905,  and  three  years  later  received  his  degree  of  Doctor  of  Dentistry 
at  the  Pennsylvania  College  of  Dental  Surgery.  After  being  located  in 
the  Rochester  Dispensary  for  one  and  one-half  years.  Doctor  Dear  estab- 
lished his  practice  in  Erie.  He  has  a  well  equipped  office  at  405  Commerce 
Building  and  is  efficient  and  successful  in  his  work. 

On  May  15,  1913,  Doctor  Dear  was  married  to  Miss  Mildred  E.  Man- 
ning, of  Lockport,  N.  Y.,  and  they  have  two  sons:  John  R.,  born  Nov. 
5,  1917;  and  William  E.,  born  March  10,  1919. 

Doctor  Dear  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  County,  State  and  American 
Dental  Associations,  and  he  is  identified  with  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows,  Elks  lodge,  and  Psi  Omega.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Sanford 
Presbyterian  Church. 

George  J.  Abbey  is  a  substantial  and  widely  known  citizen  of  Erie 
County.  He  was  born  on  a  farm  in  Girard  Township,  Jan.  5,  1850,  and  is 
the  son  of  John  J.  and  Jane  (Dempsey)  Abbey. 

John  J.  Abbey  was  born  near  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  and  in  1825  removed  to 
Erie  County  and  settled  on  a  farm  in  Girard  Township,  where  he  re- 
mained until  1861.  He  then  lived  in  Springfield  Township  until  his  death. 
There  were  four  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Abbey;  George  J.,  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch ;  William,  who  died  in  1925 ;  Frank,  who  died  in  1924 ; 
and  John,  who  died  in  1924.  The  grandfather  of  George  J.  Abbey  was 
David  Abbey  and  the  grandmother  was  Phoeba  Abbey ;  they  were  the 
parents  of  13  children,  all  of  whom  are  deceased. 

George  J.  Abbey  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  Springfield  Town- 
ship and  in  early  life  engaged  in  farming  on  70  acres  of  land  in  this  town- 
ship. In  1923  he  retired  from  farming,  and  now  devotes  his  entire  time 
to  his  business  interests.  Mr.  Abbey  is  president  and  manager  of  the 
West  Springfield  Telephone  Company,  and  has  served  in  this  capacity 
since  1910. 

On  March  31,  1875,  Mr.  Abbey  was  married  to  Miss  Melissa  Harris, 
a  native  of  Springfield  Township,  and  a  daughter  of  Luke  and  Rebecca 
(Craven)  Harris,  early  settlers  of  Springfield  Township.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Harris,  deceased,  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children :  Jane,  mar- 
ried George  Silverthorn,  both  deceased ;  Priscilla,  married  Minor  Cole,  both 
deceased;  Sylvanius;  Sarah,  married  George  Howard,  both  deceased;  Mrs. 
Abbey;  Elizabeth  and  John,  both  deceased.     Mrs.  Abbey  died  March  5, 


History  of  Erie  County  761 

1920,  and  is  buried  in  the  East  Springfield  Cemetery.  Three  children  were 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Abbey,  two  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  A  daughter, 
Imogene  H.,  is  a  trained  nurse  and  lives  in  Illinois.  During  the  World 
War  she  served  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Mr.  Abbey  has  been  a  member  of  the  Lake  Erie  Lodge,  No.  416,  I.  0. 
0.  P.,  for  35  years;  he  is  also  a  member  of  the  Encampment.  He  has  been 
a  member  of  the  local  state  police  for  45  years  and  is  past  grand  captain. 
He  is  trustee  of  East  Springfield  Cemetery.  Politically  Mr.  Abbey  is  a 
Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Universalist  church  and  is  highly 
esteemed  in  the  community  in  which  he  lives. 

Dr.  W.  H.  Everhart  is  a  successful  young  dentist  of  Erie  and  a  vetei-an 
of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  at  Staples,  Minn.,  Dec.  3,  1891,  and  is 
the  son  of  J.  B.  and  Rachael   (Long)  Everhart. 

J.  B.  Everhart  is  a  native  of  Germany  and  has  lived  in  this  country 
since  he  was  a  small  child.  He  is  an  engineer  and  resides  in  Erie.  His 
wife  was  born  at  New  Castle,  Pa.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Everhart  were  born 
five  children,  as  follows:  Mary  Brainard,  lives  in  Pittsburgh;  Albert  J., 
lives  at  Uniontown,  Pa.;  Dr.  W.  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  William  J., 
lived  at  Connellsville,  Pa.,  and  is  now  deceased;  and  Florence,  deceased. 

Dr.  W.  H.  Everhart  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  and 
was  graduated  from  Allegheny  High  School,  after  which  he  entered  Pitts- 
burgh University.  In  1914  he  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of  Dentistry 
from  that  institution  and  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Far- 
rell.  Pa.,  where  he  remained  almost  two  years.  From  there  he  went  to 
Connellsville  and  after  three  years  volunteered  for  service  in  the  World 
War.  He  served  as  a  first  lieutenant  for  seven  months  and  was  stationed 
at  Camp  Coppee,  Bethlehem,  Pa.  After  his  discharge  from  the  army, 
Dec.  23,  1918,  Doctor  Everhart  established  his  practice  in  Erie  in  the 
Lawrence  Park  district.  He  is  now  located  at  1015  State  Street,  where 
he  has  an  excellent  practice. 

On  Sept.  4,  1917,  Doctor  Everhart  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Ruth  Swarmer,  a  native  of  Connellsville,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  Daniel 
and  Edith  (Eicker)  Swarmer.  To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Everhart  have  been  born 
two  sons:  Watson  H.,  born  June  5,  1918;  and  Robert  James,  born  June 
11,  1921. 

Politically,  Doctor  Everhai't  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
First  United  Presbyterian  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias 


762  History  of  Erie  County 

and  the  Knights  of  Malta.  He  is  also  identified  with  the  Erie  County- 
Dental  Society,  the  State,  and  American  Dental  Associations.  He  and  his 
wife  are  well  known  in  Erie  and  have  a  host  of  friends. 

Dr.  Carlton  F.  Cantor,  a  competent  dentist  and  progressive  citizen  of 
Erie,  who  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War,  was  born  in  this  city,  Nov.  24, 
1893,  and  is  the  son  of  Frank  C.  and  Helen  (Fritz)  Cantor. 

Frank  C.  Cantor  was  born  in  Erie  in  1861  and  for  the  past  40  years 
has  been  connected  with  the  Jarecki  Manufacturing  Company  as  a  time 
keeper.  In  1891  he  was  married  to  Miss  Helen  Fritz,  a  native  of  Erie,  and 
a  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  Fritz.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cantor  have  only 
one  child.  Dr.  Carlton  F.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Dr.  Carlton  F.  Cantor  attended  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and  was 
graduated  from  Erie  High  School  in  1912.  He  then  entered  the  Uni- 
versity of  Michigan  where  he  received  his  degree  of  Doctor  of  Dentistry 
in  1915.  After  two  year's  practice  in  Flint,  Mich.,  Doctor  Cantor  re- 
turned to  Erie  and  established  his  office  at  1204  Palace  Hardware  Build- 
ing, where  he  remained  until  his  enlistment  in  the  World  War.  He  served 
as  a  first  lieutenant  in  the  dental  corps  at  Camp  Wheeler,  Macon,  Ga., 
for  four  months  and  was  discharged  Dec.  18,  1918.  He  returned  to  his 
former  location  in  Erie  where  he  has  a  large  practice. 

Doctor  Cantor  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  in  politics,  is 
a  member  of  the  Central  Presbyterian  Church,  and  belongs  to  the  Uni- 
versity Club,  Kahkwa  Club,  and  the  Masonic  and  Elks  lodges.  He  is 
supervisor  of  clinics  in  the  Erie  schools  in  which  work  he  has  been  en- 
gaged for  seven  years.  He  is  also  president  of  the  local  dental  association 
of  Erie  County,  and  is  a  member  of  the  staff  at  the  Erie  Boy's  Club. 

Di-.  Edwin  J.  Reichel,  who  ranks  among  the  leading  young  dentists  of 
Erie,  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  June  1, 
1893,  and  is  the  son  of  William  F.  and  Anna  (Freidman)  Reichel. 

William  F.  Reichel  was  born  in  Erie,  Aug.  10,  1867,  and  has  spent 
his  entire  life  here.  His  wife  was  born  in  this  city,  Jan.  7,  1873,  and  is 
the  daughter  of  John  B.  Freidman.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reichel,  who  were 
married,  in  1892,  were  born  two  children:  Dr.  Edwin  J.,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch ;  and  William  Freidman  Reichel,  Hves  in  Erie. 

Dr.  Edwin  J.  Reichel  was  graduated  from  high  school  in  Erie  in  1911 
and  in  1914  entered  the  dental  school  of  the  University  of  Pittsburgh, 


History  of  Erie  County  763 

where  he  received  his  degree  in  1917.  On  Sept.  8,  1917,  Doctor  Reichel 
volunteered  for  service  during  the  World  War  and  was  commissioned  a 
first  lieutenant  in  the  dental  corps.  He  served  throughout  the  war  with 
the  23rd  Engineers  and  was  at  the  front  during  the  St.  Mehiel  and  Ar- 
gonne  drives.  He  was  promoted  to  captain  on  Feb.  17,  1919,  and  dis- 
charged at  Boston,  on  June  12th  of  the  same  year.  He  immediately  re- 
turned to  Erie  and  established  his  practice  at  1004  Palace  Hardware 
Building. 

On  Nov.  22,  1923,  Doctor  Reichel  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Blanche  E.  Schackleton,  a  native  of  Edinboro,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of 
Samuel  and  Dora  Schackleton,  who  are  now  residents  of  Erie. 

Doctor  Reichel  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge  and  the  Veterans  of  Foreign  Wars.  He 
is  identified  with  the  Erie  County  Dental  Association,  the  Lake  Erie,  State 
and  National  Dental  Associations.  He  has  an  excellent  practice  and  is 
capable  in  his  profession. 

Dr.  J.  A.  Purcell  is  among  the  leading  young  dentists  of  Erie.  He  was 
born  in  this  city,  Oct.  17,  1897,  and  is  the  son  of  James  and  Nora  (Keough) 
Purcell. 

James  Purcell  is  a  pioneer  business  man  of  Erie,  having  been  engaged 
in  the  plumbing  and  heating  business  here  for  25  years.  He  was  born 
at  North  East,  Pa.,  in  1860,  and  his  wife  is  a  native  of  Glenwood,  N.  Y. 
They  were  married  in  1887  and  had  four  children,  all  of  whom  reside  in 
Erie:  James  J.,  Wm.  J.,  Leo  G.,  and  Dr.  J.  A.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 
Mr.  Purcell  is  a  Democrat  and  has  been  a  member  of  the  Erie  County 
Historical  Society  for  many  years. 

Dr.  J.  A.  Purcell  was  educated  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Erie 
and  was  graduated  from  Central  High  School  in  1917.  He  then  volun- 
teered for  service  in  the  World  War  and  was  stationed  at  the  Navy  Re- 
serve at  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Through  his  war  work  he  received  a  year's 
credit  in  the  University  of  Pittsburgh's  Dental  School,  which  he  entered 
in  1919.  After  receiving  his  degree  in  1923  Doctor  Purcell  estabhshed 
his  practice  in  the  Commerce  Building,  Erie,  where  he  has  met  with 
success. 

Doctor  Purcell  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  St.  Patrick's  Catholic 
Church,  and  belongs  to  the  Psi  Omega  fraternity.  He  is  identified  with 
the  Erie  County,  State  and  American  Dental  Associations. 


764  History  of  Erie  County 

Dr.  Charles  B.  Chidester,  who  has  practiced  his  profession  in  Erie  for 
35  years  with  honor  and  exceptional  abihty,  is  a  native  of  Ohio.  He  was 
born  at  Parkman,  Ohio,  Oct.  17,  1858,  and  is  the  son  of  Julius  and  Eliza 
H.  (Mastick)  Chidester. 

Julius  Chidester  was  born  at  Canfield,  Mahoning  County,  Ohio,  Feb. 
21,  1826,  and  was  a  prominent  agriculturist  during  his  life.  He  was  the 
son  of  Erastus  and  Lydia  (Sackett)  Chidester,  besides  whom  three  broth- 
ers and  two  sisters  reached  mature  age.  He  married  at  Burton,  Ohio, 
Sept.  24,  1850,  Eliza  Harriet  Mastick,  of  Claridon,  Ohio,  and  went  house- 
keeping at  Canfield;  they  lived  here  two  years  and  in  Geauga  County 
23  years  engaged  in  the  stock  business,  and  then  took  a  flock  of  500  sheep 
to  Mercer  County,  111.  After  his  arrival  there  wolves  were  very  savage, 
many  times  attacking  the  sheep  in  droves,  and  were  with  difficulty  beaten 
off  with  dogs  and  guns.  Here  he  also  engaged  in  shipping  stock  to  Chi- 
cago, and  from  1867  shipped  hundreds  of  head  of  dairy  cows  to  the  West- 
ern Reserve  in  Ohio  for  dairy  purposes  from  Illinois  and  Iowa.  He  also 
procured  thousands  of  head  of  young  stock  in  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania 
and  shipped  to  Iowa  for  stocks  or  feeders,  as  well  as  buying  of  fat  or 
matured  live  stock  for  the  Chicago  and  eastern  markets  up  to  the  time 
he  came  to  his  late  home  at  Fairview,  Erie  County,  Pa.,  where  he  died 
Nov.  29,  1901.  His  wife  died  June  12,  1912.  While  a  resident  of  Claridon, 
Ohio,  Mr.  Chidester  was  township  officer  eight  years  and  also  a  member 
of  the  board  of  Geauga  County  Agricultural  Society  eight  years.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Julius  Chidester  three  children  were  born:  Mary  E.  Coryl,  lives 
at  Maryville,  Ohio ;  Dr.  Charles  B.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch ;  and  William 
A.,  died  Nov.  8,  1874. 

Eliza  Harriet  (Mastick)  Chidester  was  born  in  Claridon,  Geauga 
County,  Ohio,  May  16,  1831,  the  daughter  of  Owen  Mastick,  who  was  born 
in  Grafton,  Vt.,  Dec.  20,  1802;  married  Jan.  3,  1830,  Harriet,  daughter 
of  Ephraim  and  Susannah  Cook.  He  died  in  Tampa,  Florida,  Dec.  20, 
1884.  Their  other  children  were:  Maryett  Lydia  Lavinia,  Julius  Cook, 
and  Owen  Burdell.  Owen  Mastick,  son  of  Nathaniel  Mastick  and  Lydia 
(Caryl)  Mastick,  was  born  in  Norfolk  County,  Mass.,  July  8,  1772.  His 
wife,  Lydia  Caryl,  was  born  in  Norfolk,  Mass.,  Feb.  22,  1773,  and  died 
in  1857.  He  was  a  leader  in  his  county  and  the  first  to  import  Morgan 
and  Black  Hawk  horses  and  Durham  cattle  into  Ohio.  For  seven  years  he 
was  justice  of  the  peace,  ten  years  township  trustee,  a  school  director 
and  militia  captain. 


(U^,  Q.  (D"i<d^t^  v9^ 


History  of  Erie  County  765 

John  Mastick,  father  of  Nathaniel,  was  the  only  son  of  John  Salter, 
of  a  wealthy  Holland  family,  born  in  1717,  was  stolen  by  a  British  press- 
gang  at  the  age  of  nine  years,  put  aboard  a  man-of-war  and  held  in  the 
service  nine  years.  Taking  advantage  of  the  first  opportunity  when  the 
ship  lay  in  Boston  harbor,  he  "swapped"  clothes  with  a  stone  mason, 
assumed  the  name  of  John  Mastick,  and  though  pursued  and  wounded, 
escaped,  settled,  married,  and  raised  a  family.  An  advertisement  in  after 
years  appeared  in  a  New  York  paper  for  the  heirs  of  this  Holland  house. 
His  eldest  son  gathered  together  the  proofs  and  started  for  Europe,  but 
was  never  more  heard  from.  Harriet  (Cook)  Mastick,  the  third  child 
in  a  family  of  four  sons  and  five  daughters,  was  born  Sept.  27,  1804.  She 
died  May  20,  1894,  aged  90,  and  was  buried  at  Ridgeville,  Ind.  Her 
mother,  Susannah  Ives,  was  married  Dec.  16,  1799,  to  Ephraim  Cook,  who 
was  born  Dec.  21,  1775,  in  Cheshire,  Conn.,  son  of  Elam  Cook,  born  in 
1733,  in  Cheshire,  Conn.,  son  of  Capt.  Ephriam  Cook,  born  in  1704,  in 
Cheshire,  Conn.,  son  of  Samuel  Cook,  who  came  from  England. 

Erastus  Chidester  was  one  of  seven  brothers:  Hezekiah,  Philo,  Eras- 
tus,  William  Rush,  Julius,  Velorus  and  Royal  Canfield;  all  but  the  last 
were  born  at  Cornwall  Bridge,  Conn.  His  birth  was  on  March  23,  1789, 
son  of  William  and  Martha  (Dean)  Chidester.  He  married  Lydia  Sackett, 
at  Canfield,  Ohio,  in  1813,  and  they  raised  a  family  of  three  sons,  Clark, 
Julius  and  William  N.,  and  two  daughters,  Caroline  and  Martha.  He  moved 
to  Richland  Grove,  near  Swedonia,  Mercer  County,  111.,  where  they  cele- 
brated their  golden  wedding  and  here  resided  till  his  death,  March  10, 
1866.  His  wife,  Lydia  Sackett,  who  survived  him  several  years,  was  born 
Nov.  1,  1790,  afterwards  went  with  her  eldest  son,  Clark  Chidester,  to 
Fairfield,  Jefferson  County,  Iowa,  where  she  died  Feb.  23,  1872,  at  the 
mature  age  of  82  years,  and  was  buried  at  Brookville,  Jefferson  County, 
Iowa. 

William  Chidester,  born  in  Williamstown,  Mass.,  in  1757,  was  a  son 
of  William  Chidester,  who  with  his  brother  Jonathan,  emigrated  from 
Wales  to  America.  The  latter  settled  in  New  Jersey,  the  former  in  Wil- 
liamstown, Mass.  When  quite  young  the  Indians  attacked  the  town, 
killed  a  number  of  the  inhabitants,  and  carried  away  several  women  and 
children,  among  whom  was  Mrs.  Carter,  sister-in-law  of  William,  Sr. 
Together  with  Mr.  Carter  and  others  he  followed  their  trail  and  overtook 
them  near  Wilkesbarre,  Pa.,  where  a  battle  ensued  and  both  were  killed. 
William,  Jr.,  soon  after  went  to  live  with  his  uncle,  Hezekiah  Carter,  who 


766  History  of  Erie  County 

resided  at  Cornwall,  Litchfield  County,  Conn.,  and  was  brought  up  by 
him.  He  married  Chloe  Peck  in  1779,  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  but  his 
wife  and  son  died  in  less  than  two  years. 

The  following  account  of  the  father,  William  Chidester,  and  his  jour- 
ney to  the  then  West,  is  from  the  lips  of  his  son,  Erastus:  "William 
Chidester  was  a  soldier  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  at  first  drafted  as 
a  militiaman  under  Samuel  Canfield  of  New  Milford,  Conn.  He  enlisted  in 
the  company  of  Capt.  Theodore  Woodbridge,  Eleventh  Connecticut  line, 
under  command  of  Colonel  Homan  Swift,  in  which  he  served  four  years. 
He  participated  in  the  battles  of  Brandywine  and  Monmouth.  At  the 
expiration  of  his  term  he  was  discharged,  returned  to  Cornwall,  and  mar- 
ried Martha,  daughter  of  Thomas  Dean  of  that  place.  He  began  keeping 
house  near  Cornwall  bridge,  and  followed  his  trade  of  tailor  here  for  three 
years.  He  then  bought  a  nearby  farm  on  which  he  lived  until  1802,  when 
he  exchanged  it  for  land  in  Canfield  in  what  was  then  called  New  Con- 
necticut in  the  Northwest  Territory,  later  known  as  the  Western  Reserve, 
State  of  Ohio.  He  left  Cornwall  April  27,  1802,  arriving  at  his  destination, 
Canfield,  Ohio,  June  2nd.  His  large  family  and  household  goods  and  stores 
were  conveyed  in  two  wagons,  one  drawn  by  a  team  of  horses,  the  other 
by  oxen,  with  a  led  cow.  His  route  was  up  the  Hudson  to  Newburgh, 
where  he  crossed  in  a  piroque  at  one  load.  Thence  proceeded  to  Easton  on 
the  Delaware,  which  was  crossed  in  a  flat  boat  in  two  loads;  thence  by  a 
then  lonesome  and  dangerous  road  over  the  Allegheny  Mountains  to  Fort 
Pitt;  crossing  the  Monongahela  here,  they  journeyed  down  the  south 
bank  over  a  mere  trail  in  the  rough  hills  to  Beavertown.  They  forded  the 
Ohio  about  a  mile  and  a  half  below,  thence  reached  Canfield,  Ohio,  in  two 
and  one-half  days.  He  selected  plot  No.  15,  first  division  in  the  woods, 
the  next  house  west  of  his  being  then  15  miles  distant.  Three  years  after- 
wards he  removed  to  plot  No.  18  in  the  third  division,  where  he  lived,  and 
in  1811  built  a  frame  house  for  his  son.  Royal  Canfield  Chidester,  the  first 
white  child  born  in  that  settlement.  After  the  admission  of  Ohio  in 
1803  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  which  office  he  held  until  his 
death,  Feb.  26,  1813.  He  also  served  as  township  trustee  and  commis- 
sioner of  Trumbull  County.  His  wife,  Martha,  survived  him  a  number 
of  years  and  drew  a  pension  on  account  of  his  services  in  the  Revolution." 

Dr.  Charles  B.  Chidester  received  his  early  education  in  the  schools 
of  Hiram,  Ohio,  and  attended  Hiram  College,  after  which  he  was  gradu- 
ated from  the  Medical  Department  of  the  University  of  Michigan,  and 


History  of  Erie  County  767 

the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  Baltimore,  Md.,  from  which  he 
received  his  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine,  March  4,  1881.  He  began  the 
practice  of  his  profession  at  Burton,  Ohio,  and  in  1890  removed  to  Erie, 
where  he  has  since  been  located.    His  office  is  at  219  West  18th  Sti'eet. 

On  Nov.  13,  1884,  Doctor  Chidester  was  maiTied  to  Minnie,  second 
daughter  of  Waterman  S.  and  Caroline  B.  Hodges,  of  Middlefield,  Ohio. 
They  had  two  children:  Rose  Ann,  born  July  15,  1886,  died  Aug.  8,  1886; 
and  Frank  Charles,  born  May  5,  1888,  died  May  16,  1888.  Mrs.  Chidester 
died  May  12,  1888.  Her  memory  will  always  be  dear  to  a  large  circle  ot 
friends  by  whom  she  was  loved  and  admired  for  her  vivacity  and  refine- 
ment of  manner  and  a  remarkable  sweetness  of  disposition.  Her  ancestors 
were  pioneers  in  Middlefield  from  North  Bradford,  Conn.  He  was  married 
Feb.  19,  1889,  to  Mrs.  Ella  J.  Durban  (nee  Vance),  of  Collingwood,  Ohio, 
born  July  16,  1850,  at  Fairview,  Erie  County,  Pa.  They  had  two  daugh- 
ters: Minnie  Bickford,  born  Dec.  25,  1889,  lives  at  home;  and  Mabel  E., 
bom  May  11,  1891,  died  April  29,  1915.  Ella  J.  (Vance)  Chidester's  great- 
grandfather was  Patrick  Vance,  who  settled  in  Erie  County  in  1797.  His 
son,  Thomas  Vance,  lived  on  a  farm  near  Fairview.  He  had  three  chil- 
dren: Thomas  Vance,  Jr.,  who  afterward  lived  on  the  farm;  Jane,  who 
married  Franklin  Willis,  of  Fairview,  April  14,  1842;  and  Margaret,  who 
died,  unmarried.  Thomas  Vance,  Jr.,  born  July  16,  1821,  married  Eliza- 
beth Olivia  Weidler,  Feb.  17,  1848,  died  Dec.  7,  1887.  She  was  born  Aug. 
21,  1829,  and  died  Feb.  18,  1855.  They  are  buried  at  Fairview,  Erie 
County,  Pa.  Her  maternal  grandfather,  Daniel  Weidler,  a  pioneer  of  Erie 
County,  was  born  in  Lancaster,  Pa.,  Feb.  12,  1805,  and  married  Sept.  15, 
1827,  Catherine  Frissler  in  Lancaster.  He  died  Sept.  3,  1874;  she  died 
May  19,  1855.  They  are  buried  in  Fairview.  Their  children  were:  Eliza- 
beth Olivia,  born  Aug.  21,  1829,  died  Feb.  18,  1855 ;  Michael  George,  Sam- 
uel, Daniel,  Samuel  S.,  Anna  Amelia,  Catherine  Atlanta,  John  A.  and 
Mary  A. 

Doctor  Chidester  was  married  the  third  time  on  June  29,  1922,  to 
Mrs.  Florence  (Hiegel)  Burroughs,  a  native  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter 
of  George  and  Mary  (Berchtold)  Hiegel.  Mr.  Hiegel  was  born  in  Erie, 
Oct.  14,  1859,  and  died  June  10,  1913.  His  wife,  who  was  born  Feb.  4, 
1859,  resides  in  Erie.  There  were  four  children  in  the  Hiegel  family: 
Mrs.  Chidester;  George,  lives  in  Erie;  William,  deceased;  and  Gertrude 
Dunbeck,  lives  in  Erie.  Before  her  marriage  Mrs.  Chidester  was  the 
widow  of  Willard  Burroughs,  who  was  born  in  Maryland,  Nov.  24,  1875, 


768  History  of  Erie  County 

and  died  Nov.  11,  1909.  By  that  marriage  she  had  three  children:  G«orge, 
died  May  25,  1906;  lola  Mary,  born  April  22,  1908;  and  Henry  W.,  born 
June  7,  1910. 

Doctor  Chidester  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party. 

Dr.  0.  N.  Chaffee,  who  is  widely  known  as  a  successful  physician  and 
surgeon  of  Erie,  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  graduated  from 
Wattsburg  High  School  (Pa.)  in  1896  and  then  attended  Edinboro  Normal 
School.  The  following  two  years  were  spent  in  teaching  in  the  rural 
schools  of  his  native  state,  after  which  Doctor  Chaffee  entered  the  College 
of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  of  Baltimore,  Md.,  where  he  began  the  study 
of  medicine.  He  was  graduated  from  the  Physicians  and  Surgeons  College 
at  Baltimore,  Md.,  in  1906,  and  his  interne  work  was  done  at  Mercy  Hos- 
pital, Baltimore.  The  next  year  Doctor  Chaffee  located  at  Conneaut  Lake, 
Pa.,  and  the  following  year  removed  to  Wattsburg,  where  he  practiced 
his  profession  for  three  years,  succeeding  Dr.  Bell,  deceased. 

After  spending  almost  a  year  in  the  study  of  medicine  at  Vienna, 
Doctor  Chaffee  came  to  Erie  in  1911  and  established  his  practice  at  820 
Sassafras  Avenue.  He  has  a  large  practice  and  is  recognized  as  one  of 
the  leading  physicians  and  surgeons  of  this  section. 

On  June  12,  1907,  Doctor  Chaffee  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Eliza  Baldwin,  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  James  and  Frances  (Titus) 
Baldwin,  residents  of  Erie,  where  Mr.  Baldwin  is  engaged  in  the  real  estate 
business.  To  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Chaffee  two  children  have  been  born :  Mary 
F.,  born  in  1908 ;  and  John  S.,  born  in  1914. 

In  October,  1923,  Doctor  Chaffee  was  made  a  member  of  the  American 
College  of  Surgeons.  He  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County,  State  and 
American  Medical  Societies,  is  a  32nd  degree  Mason,  member  of  the  Shrine, 
belongs  to  the  University  Club,  and  holds  membership  in  the  First  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church.  Doctor  Chaffee  is  a  member  of  St.  Vincent's 
Hospital  staff. 

Dr.  James  D.  Stark,  a  physician  of  Erie,  is  well  known  throughout 
the  community,  both  as  a  successful  man  in  his  profession  and  as  an  ex- 
cellent citizen.  He  was  born  at  Toledo,  Ohio,  March  15,  1893,  and  is  the 
son  of  Frank  H.  and  Laura  A.   (Dolph)  Stark. 

Frank  H.  Stark,  who  resides  at  Coraopolis,  Pa.,  is  a  native  of  New 
York.    He  has  served  as  vice  president  of  the  Coraopolis  Savings  &  Trust 


DR.    O.    N.   CHAFFKE 


History  of  Erie  County  769 

Company  for  many  years  and  as  superintendent  of  the  Montour  Railway 
Company.  His  wife  was  born  in  Toledo,  Ohio.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stark 
were  born  three  children:  Elizabeth  Reeve,  deceased;  Myrtle  Anderson, 
lives  in  Pittsburgh,  Pa.;  and  Dr.  James  D.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Dr.  James  D.  Stark  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Coraopolis, 
Pa.,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1912.  He  then  entered  Pittsburgh 
University,  from  which  he  received  his  Bachelor  of  Science  degree  in 
1916.  Four  more  years  were  spent  in  this  institution  and  in  1920  Doctor 
Stark  was  graduated  from  the  Medical  School.  He  began  practice  of  his 
profession  in  Erie  at  960  East  6th  Street,  and  in  March,  1925,  moved  his 
office  to  his  residence  at  860  East  6th  Street.  He  is  connected  with  Hamot 
Hospital  and  the  Erie  Infants'  Home  and  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County 
Medical  Society,  the  Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association,  and  the 
American  Medical  Association.  He  has  served  as  physician  for  the  Ham- 
mermill  Paper  Company  of  Erie  for  one  year  and  is  still  associated  with 
the  company. 

On  July  30,  1921,  Doctor  Stark  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Emma 
McCormick,  a  native  of  Coraopolis,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  Samuel  and 
Elizabeth  McCormick.  To  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Stark  one  child  has  been 
born,  Marjorie  Leigh  Stark,  born  July  23,  1922. 

Doctor  Stark  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge. 

Dr.  Edward  M.  Engels,  a  prominent  and  successful  dentist  of  Erie, 
with  offices  at  960  East  6th  Street,  is  a  native  of  Highland  Falls,  N.  Y. 
He  was  born  Aug.  7,  1877,  and  is  the  son  of  Charles  W.  and  Louise 
(Lebrantz)   Engels. 

Charles  W.  Engels  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  New  York  and  is  en- 
gaged in  the  painting  business  at  Beacon,  N.  Y.  His  wife  is  also  a  native 
of  that  state.  They  have  ten  children,  as  follows:  Charles,  lives  in 
Brooklyn,  N.  Y. ;  Dr.  Edward  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Catherine, 
hves  at  Albany,  N.  Y. ;  Anna  Boliver,  lives  at  Union  Hill,  N.  J.;  Leonard, 
lives  at  Middletown,  N.  Y. ;  Clara  Martin,  lives  at  Batavia,  N.  Y. ;  Paul, 
lives  at  Newburgh,  N.  Y.;  Carroll,  lives  at  Union,  N.  Y. ;  Grace  Harring- 
ton, lives  at  Beacon,  N.  Y. ;  and  Jennie  Foster,  lives  at  Beacon,  N.  Y. 

After  receiving  his  preliminary  education  in  the  public  schools.  Dr. 
Edward  M.  Engels  entered  the  dental  school  of  the  University  of  Mary- 
land, where  he  received  his  degree  in  1900.  For  one  year  he  practiced 
(49) 


770  History  of  Erie  County 

his  profession  at  Rochester,  N.  H.,  then  went  to  Altoona,  Pa.,  where  he 
remained  six  years.  In  1913  he  located  at  Erie,  where  he  has  built  up 
a  splendid  practice. 

On  June  8,  1907,  Doctor  Engels  was  married  to  Miss  Agnes  M.  Young, 
a  native  of  Philadelphia  and  the  daughter  of  John  Young.  They  have 
three  children:  Edward,  born  in  1908;  Elizabeth,  born  In  1909;  and 
Miriam,  born  in  1917. 

Doctor  Engels  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  Chuixh  and 
belongs  to  the  Elks  lodge.  He  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County,  State, 
Lake  Erie  and  American  Dental  Associations. 

Dr.  H.  R.  Steadman,  physician  and  surgeon  of  Erie,  who  is  engaged  in 
practice  at  529  East  6th  Street,  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was 
born  in  McKean,  Oct.  8,  1888,  and  is  the  son  of  Thomas  and  Fannie  L. 
(Morrow)   Steadman. 

Thomas  Steadman  was  born  at  McKean,  Pa.,  April  21,  1864,  and  his 
wife  is  also  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  born  Aug.  13,  1864.  He  engaged 
in  the  grocery  business  at  Edinboro,  Pa.,  for  29  years  and  now  lives 
retired.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Steadman  had  two  children:  Dr.  H.  R.,  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch;  and  Vera  Coyle,  born  April  5,  1895,  lives  at  Edin- 
boro, Pa. 

Dr.  H.  R.  Steadman  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  at  Edinboro 
and  in  1906  completed  a  course  at  Edinboro  Normal  School.  The  next 
four  years  were  spent  in  teaching  school,  and  as  principal  of  the  Phillips- 
ville  and  Edinboro  high  schools.  In  1910  Doctor  Steadman  entered  Jef- 
ferson Medical  School  at  Philadelphia  where  he  received  his  degree  of 
Doctor  of  Medicine  in  1914.  He  then  served  as  interne  at  Kings  County 
Hospital  (N.  Y.)  for  two  years,  and  in  1916  established  his  present  prac- 
tice in  Erie. 

In  1916  Doctor  Steadman  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  J.  Haflfner,  a 
native  of  Lawrence,  Mass.,  and  a  daughter  of  Lewis  and  Emily  (Bour- 
isse)  Haffner.  Before  her  marriage  Mrs.  Steadman  was  a  trained  nurse, 
after  having  completed  her  course  in  the  King  County  Hospital  in  1914. 
Doctor  and  Mrs.  Steadman  have  two  sons:  Thomas  R.,  born  March  15, 
1917;  and  Henry  R.,  Jr.,  born  Nov.  27,  1921. 

Doctor  Steadman  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society, 
the  Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association  and  the  American  Medical 
Association.     He  is  also  a  member  of  the  American  Public  Health  Asso- 


History  of  Erie  County  771 

ciation  and  has  served  as  chief  medical  inspector  of  the  Erie  public 
schools  for  seven  years.  He  is  a  Republican,  and  a  member  of  the 
Masonic  and  Elks  lodges.  He  is  connected  with  the  staff  of  St.  Vincent's 
and  Hamot  hospitals.  Doctor  Steadman  is  one  of  Erie's  best  known  young 
men  and  is  deservedly  popular  with  his  rapidly  increasing  practice. 

Dr.  J.  F.  Robertson,  a  prominent  physician  of  Erie,  with  offices  at  918 
Peach  Street,  was  born  in  Dorchester,  New  Brunswick,  Canada,  Sept.  11, 
1867,  and  is  the  son  of  Allan  0.  and  Margaret  (MacDonald)   Robertson. 

Allan  0.  Robertson,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Scotland,  as  was  also 
his  wife.  When  a  young  man  he  came  to  this  country  and  settled  in 
Providence,  R.  I.  Later  they  moved  to  Maine,  where  he  engaged  in  the 
lumber  business.  He  moved  to  Connecticut,  to  engage  in  the  building 
stone  business,  later  moving  to  Canada,  where  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  born.  He  served  as  superintendent  of  The  Ohio  Building  Stone  Com- 
pany for  a  number  of  years.  In  the  year  1887  he  went  to  Tacoma,  Wash., 
and  engaged  in  the  building  stone  business  there.  He  died  at  the  age 
of  86.     His  wife  is  also  deceased. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robertson,  who  were  married  in  Providence,  R.  I., 
in  1844,  were  born  eight  children,  of  whom  four  are  now  living:  Cath- 
erine Gooding,  lives  at  Central  Falls,  R.  I.;  Georgeanna  Vinol,  lives  at 
Pasadena,  Cal.;  Margaret  Bailey,  lives  at  Dayton,  Ohio;  and  Dr.  J.  F.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

J.  F.  Robertson  spent  his  boyhood  in  the  state  of  Ohio  and  attended 
the  Northwestern  Ohio  State  Normal  School  (Ohio  Northern)  and  Ober- 
lin  College.  He  later  went  to  the  Pacific  coast,  where  he  engaged  in  the 
mercantile  business  for  several  years.  In  1895  he  was  graduated  by  the 
Philadelphia  Dental  College  and  in  1896  by  the  Medico  Chirurgical  College 
of  Philadelphia.  He  practiced  dentistry  from  1896  to  1900  in  Philadel- 
phia. He  practiced  medicine  in  Philadelphia  from  1900  to  1909.  He 
served  as  a  member  of  the  Philadelphia  Polyclinic  staff  for  several  years. 
He  then  moved  to  New  Castle,  Pa.,  where  he  specialized  in  Urology  and 
Proctology  for  13  years.  Since  January,  1923,  he  has  been  in  Erie,  where 
he  is  well  established  in  general  and  special  practice. 

On  June  18,  1891,  J.  F.  Robertson  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Anna  L.  Barker,  of  Seattle,  Wash.,  and  the  daughter  of  David  W.  and 
Margaret  L.  Barker.  They  have  three  children:  Allan  D.,  bom  Oct. 
22,  1894,  lives  in  Erie,  Pa.,  lessee  and  manager  of  Park  Theatre;  Gladys 


772  History  of  Erie  County 

B.  Wood,  born  July  13,  1896,  lives  at  Cleveland;  and  Margaret  L.,  born 
Aug.  22,  1904,  a  student  at  Lake  Erie  College,  Painesville,  Ohio. 

Doctor  Robertson  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  in  politics. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church,  a  32nd  degree  Mason,  and  belongs 
to  the  Shrine.  He  was  formerly  a  member  of  the  Philadelphia  County 
Medical  Society  and  the  Lawrence  County  Medical  Society,  as  well  as 
other  state  and  national  associations. 

James  B.  Yard,  the  well  known  prothonotary  of  Erie  County,  is  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  born  at  Milton,  Northumberland  County, 
March  14,  1871,  and  is  the  son  of  John  W.  and  Sarah  (Buoy)  Yard. 

John  W.  Yard  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  as  was  his  wife.  In  1890 
they  came  to  Erie  where  he  became  a  prominent  architect.  He  died  in 
1920  and  his  wife  died  three  years  later.  They  had  three  children:  Wil- 
liam H.,  lives  in  Utica,  N.  Y. ;  James  B.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and 
Mrs.  Grace  Spangenberg,  lives  in  Erie. 

After  completing  his  early  education  in  the  schools  of  New  York, 
James  B.  Yard  entered  Cornell  University,  from  which  he  received  his 
degree  in  1894..  He  then  located  in  Erie  with  his  father  and  engaged  in 
architectural  work  until  Jan.  1,  1916,  when  he  was  elected  to  his  present 
office.  Mr.  Yard  is  now  serving  his  third  term  and  is  most  capable  and 
efficient.    He  served  as  a  member  of  the  city  council  from  1900  until  1904. 

Mr.  Yard  was  a  member  of  the  National  Guard  when  the  Spanish- 
American  War  broke  out  and  was  at  that  time  made  a  first  lieutenant  in 
Company  C,  Fifteenth  Regular  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  left 
for  war  April  26,  1898,  and  was  transferred  later  from  Mount  Gretna 
to  Athens,  Ga.,  and  later  to  Cuba  with  the  rank  of  captain.  He  spent 
three  months  there  and  was  discharged  in  Erie,  Feb.  1,  1899. 

June  18,  1913,  Mr.  Yard  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Alice 
Daniel,  of  New  York  City.  They  have  six  children :  Mary,  married  D.  C. 
Dean ;  William  B.,  a  student  at  Cornell  University ;  Amanda ;  Daniel ;  Laura- 
Grace  ;  and  Florence. 

Mr.  Yard  has  taken  an  active  part  in  Republican  politics  and  has  been 
a  delegate  to  two  state  conventions  and  to  the  national  convention  in  Chi- 
cago in  1920.  He  is  affiliated  with  the  Masonic  and  Elk  lodges  and  belongs 
to  the  University  Club  and  the  Spanish-American  War  Veterans.  He  and 
his  family  hold  membership  in  the  Kingsley  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
and  are  representative  of  the  best  citizenship  in  Erie  County. 


JAMES   B.   YARD 


History  of  Erie  County  773 

Dr.  Fred  Fisher,  Jr.,  is  one  of  Erie's  capable  young  physicians  and 
surgeons,  whose  practice  is'  limited  to  the  treatment  of  eye,  ear,  nose  and 
throat  diseases.  He  was  born  at  Brockwayville,  Pa.,  Oct.  27,  1890,  and 
is  the  son  of  Fred  and  Mary  (Fraley)  Fisher. 

Fred  Fisher  resides  in  Erie,  where  he  is  connected  with  the  General 
Electric  Company  as  paymaster.  He  is  a  native  of  Pentwater,  Mich., 
born  in  1869,  and  for  many  years  lived  at  Kane,  Pa.,  where  he  served  as 
assistant  postmaster  for  25  years.  His  wife  was  born  at  Renovo,  Pa., 
in  1869,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Sam  and  Permilia  (Moore)  Fraley.  Mr. 
Fraley  was  connected  with  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  during 
his  life  and  was  the  first  conductor  to  run  a  train  into  Kane,  Pa.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Fisher  three  children  were  born:  Mary  A.  and  Minnie  May, 
both  deceased ;  and  Dr.  Fred,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Dr.  Fred  Fisher,  Jr.,  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of 
Kane,  Pa.,  and  after  his  high  school  graduation  in  1909  he  entered  the 
University  of  Pennsylvania,  where  he  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of 
Medicine  in  1913.  He  was  an  interne  in  the  Altoona  (Pa.)  Hospital  for 
one  year  and  in  1914  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Erie.  He 
has  taken  post  graduate  work  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  where 
he  specialized  in  the  study  of  eye,  ear,  nose  and  throat  diseases.  He  has 
also  taken  post  graduate  work  in  the  Eye,  Ear,  Nose  and  Throat  Hospital 
of  New  Orleans  (La.),  the  Loyola  University,  and  Tulane  University  at 
New  Orleans   (La.). 

On  April  30,  1924,  Doctor  Fisher  established  a  hospital  for  eye,  ear, 
nose  and  throat  at  343  East  6th  Street,  and  has  a  staff  of  nurses  and 
twelve  physicians.  Miss  Margurite  M.  Hollis  is  nurse  in  charge.  The 
hospital  is  modernly  equipped  in  every  respect  for  this  kind  of  work. 

On  June  24,  1915,  Doctor  Fisher  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Mary  D.  Heison,  of  Philadelphia,  and  the  daughter  of  Charles  and  Kezia 
(Cans)  Heison,  deceased.  To  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Fisher  have  been  born 
two  children:  Mary  Dorothy,  born  Sept.  13,  1916;  and  Ruth  Edith,  born 
July  29,  1924. 

Doctor  Fisher  is  identified  with  the  American  Medical  Associaton, 
the  Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association,  and  the  Erie  County  Medical 
Society.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Park  Presbyterian  Church,  and  is  affili- 
ated with  the  Masonic  Lodge  No.  708  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows  No.  107.  Doctor  Fisher  has  been  unusually  successful  in  his 
work  and  is  deservedly  popular  in  his  community. 


774  History  of  Erie  County 

Dr.  George  F,  Stoney,  a  well  known  physician  and  surgeon  of  Erie, 
was  born  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  May  4,  1886,  and  is  the  son  of  George  F. 
and  Lenora  (Shepard)  Stoney. 

George  F.  Stoney  is  a  native  of  Cleveland,  born  July  12,  1857,  and  his 
wife  was  born  in  that  city,  Aug.  14,  1859,  the  daughter  of  Joseph  and 
Maryette  (Demars)  Shepard.  Mr.  Stoney  has  served  as  superintendent 
of  the  Lorain  plant  of  the  United  States  Steel  Company  for  the  past  20 
years.  There  were  three  children  in  the  Stoney  family:  Alfred  R.,  en- 
gaged in  the  foundry  business  at  Elyria,  Ohio;  Thomas,  who  died  at  the 
age  of  four  years;  and  Dr.  George  F.  Stoney,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Dr.  George  F.  Stoney  attended  the  public  schools  of  Wilkinsburg,  Pa., 
and  after  completing  a  preparatory  course  at  Bethany  in  1903,  he  entered 
Jefferson  Medical  College,  from  which  he  received  his  degree  in  1910. 
He  then  served  as  interne  at  St.  John's  Hospital,  Pittsburgh,  and  in  1911 
located  in  Erie.    His  office  is  at  759  East  6th  Street. 

On  Oct.  12,  1910,  Doctor  Stoney  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Blanche  Piersol,  a  native  of  Ostrander,  Ohio,  and  the  daughter  of  George 
and  Abagail  (Robinson)  Piersol.  To  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Stoney  have  been 
born  three  children:  Florence  V.,  born  in  February,  1912;  George  F., 
born  June  19,  1915,  died  Aug.  30,  1919 ;  and  Mary  B.,  born  April  15,  1923. 

Doctor  Stoney  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Church  of  Christ, 
and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge  and  Shrine.  He  is  identified  with  the 
Erie  County  Medical  Society,  the  Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Associa- 
tion, and  the  American  Medical  Association.  He  is  a  member  of  St.  Vin- 
cent's Hospital  staff  and  ranks  among  the  influential  citizens  of  the 
community. 

Dr.  C.  B.  Cleland,  dentist,  is  a  prominent  citizen  of  Erie  and  a  veteran 
of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  in  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  Sept.  1,  1884, 
and  is  the  son  of  John  J.  and  Martha  May  (MacFeeters)  Cleland.  Mr. 
Cleland  has  engaged  in  farming  during  his  life  and  lives  in  Summit  Town- 
ship, Erie  County.  His  wife,  a  native  of  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  died  in 
October,  1918.    Doctor  C.  B.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is  their  only  child. 

C.  B.  Cleland  received  his  early  education  in  the  grade  and  high  schools 
of  Erie,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1904.  After  four  years  in  the 
employ  of  the  Ball  Iron  Works,  Erie,  he  entered  the  dental  school  of  the 
University  of  Michigan,  from  which  he  received  his  degree  in  1911.  He 
has  since  practiced  his  profession  in  Erie  and  has  been  in  his  present 


History  of  Erie  County  775 

location,  24  West  Ninth  Street,  since  March,  1924.  Doctor  Cleland  spe- 
cializes in  dental  X-ray  work,  and  is  capable  in  his  profession.  In  1920 
he  completed  a  post  graduate  course  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 

Doctor  Cleland  enlisted  for  service  during  the  World  War  on  July 
10,  1917,  and  was  commissioned  a  first  lieutenant.  On  March  8,  1918, 
he  was  promoted  to  captain  and  served  throughout  the  war  as  a  member 
of  the  Third  Division.  Doctor  Cleland  was  made  a  captain  in  the  Penn- 
sylvania National  Guard  on  Feb.  26,  1923,  and  is  still  serving  in  that 
capacity. 

On  Aug.  22,  1906,  Doctor  Cleland  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Bess  Mae  Inman,  who  was  born  at  Wattsburg,  Erie  County,  Sept.  11, 
1883,  and  the  daughter  of  Sylvester  C.  Inman,  deceased.  Doctor  and  Mrs. 
Cleland  have  an  adopted  daughter,  Harriet  Lick,  born  in  1910.  Her 
parents  are  deceased  and  she  has  resided  with  her  foster  pai'ents  since 
1922. 

Doctor  Cleland  is  a  member  of  the  Simpson  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  and  is  Sunday  School  Superintendent. 

Dr.  John  H.  Lloyd,  who  ranks  among  Erie  County's  capable  physicians 
and  surgeons,  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  in  Ontario, 
Canada,  Nov.  19,  1873,  and  is  a  son  of  Andrew  and  Jane  (Smeaton)  Lloyd. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Andrew  Lloyd,  natives  of  Canada  and  Scotland,  respec- 
tively, settled  in  Erie  County  in  1875.  He  was  a  machinist  by  trade  and 
conducted  a  shop  in  Erie  for  a  number  of  years.  He  now  lives  retired. 
His  wife  is  deceased.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lloyd  three  children  were  born: 
Edward  William,  general  contract  agent,  Commonwealth  Edison  Com- 
pany, Chicago;  John  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Arthur  M.,  en- 
gaged in  business  with  his  brother  in  Chicago. 

John  H.  Lloyd  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of 
Erie  and  in  1896  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of  Medicine  at  Jefferson 
Medical  College,  Philadelphia.  After  two  years  at  Fairview,  Erie  County, 
he  established  his  practice  in  Erie,  remaining  here  five  years.  The  fol- 
lowing two  years  were  spent  in  Florida  and  in  1907  Doctor  Lloyd  settled 
at  West  Mill  Creek,  Pa.,  where  he  was  successfully  engaged  in  practice 
for  17  years.    His  office  in  Erie  is  at  210  West  8th  Street. 

On  July  19,  1917,  Doctor  Lloyd  volunteered  for  service  during  the 
World  War  and  received  the  rank  of  first  lieutenant.  After  six  weeks 
at  Camp  Fort  Oglethorpe,  Ga.,  he  was  transferred  to  Camp  Pike,  Ark., 


776  History  of  Erie  County 

where  he  served  until  Feb.  8,  1919.  Doctor  Lloyd  was  serving  as  a  major 
at  the  close  of  the  war,  and  was  recently  promoted  a  lieutenant  colonel 
of  the  Officers  Reserve  Corps. 

On  May  26,  1898,  Doctor  Lloyd  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Edith  Willis,  of  Fairview,  Pa.,  and  a  daughter  of  Rufus  and  Martha 
(Eaton)  Willis.  They  have  four  children:  Marjorie,  born  in  1900;  A. 
W.,  born  in  1902,  a  student  at  Grove  City  College ;  Virginia,  born  in  1904 ; 
and  Andrew,  born  in  1907. 

Doctor  Lloyd  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County,  Pennsylvania  State 
and  American  Medical  Associations.  He  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of 
the  Presbyterian  church,  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge  and  the  Knights 
of  Pythias.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Association  of  Military  Surgeons 
of  the  United  States.  Doctor  Lloyd  is  a  substantial  citizen  and  stands 
high  in  his  profession. 

Dr.  H.  E.  Lyons,  one  of  Erie's  prominent  young  physicians  and  sur- 
geons, who  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War,  was  born  in  this  city,  Nov.  22, 
1883,  and  is  the  son  of  Eugene  and  Mary  (Hagmann)  Lyons. 

Eugene  Lyons  is  a  native  of  Greenfield  Township,  Erie  County,  born 
in  1857,  and  his  wife  was  born  at  Gloversville,  N.  Y.,  in  1862.  They  were 
married  Oct.  17,  1882,  and  have  four  children:  Dr.  H.  E.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch;  Fred  R.,  lives  in  Erie;  Frank  R.,  died  in  infancy;  and 
Jessie  M.,  at  home.  Mr.  Lyons  has  worked  at  the  carpenter  trade  for 
many  years  and  resides  in  Erie. 

Dr.  H.  E.  Lyons  was  graduated  from  Erie  Central  High  School  in 
1905  and  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of  Medicine  at  the  University  of 
Buffalo  in  1909.  His  interne  work  was  done  in  St.  Vincent's  Hospital, 
Erie,  and  in  1910  he  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Fairview, 
Pa.,  where  he  remained  until  1917.  He  volunteered  for  service  during  the 
World  War  and  was  commissioned  a  first  lieutenant  at  Fort  Oglethorpe, 
Ga.,  where  he  remained  for  six  weeks.  He  was  then  stationed  at  Camp 
Stewart,  Virginia,  until  his  discharge,  March  15,  1919.  Since  that  time 
he  has  been  located  in  Erie,  with  offices  at  618  West  26th  Street.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  staff  of  St.  Vincent's  Hospital. 

On  April  24,  1913,  Doctor  Lyons  was  married  to  Miss  Irene  M.  Wil- 
liams, of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  John  F.  and  Marie  Williams.  They 
have  a  son,  Robert  W.,  born  Aug.  5,  1914. 

In  politics  Doctor  Lyons  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic 


DR.    H.    E.    LYONS 


History  of  Erie  County  777 

Lodge,  Shrine,  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  Lions  Club. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  County,  State  and  American  Medical  Associa- 
tions. Doctor  Lyons  is  progressive  in  his  profession  and  has  a  host  of 
friends  and  acquaintances  in  Erie. 

Dr.  William  S.  Dietz,  who  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  Erie  as  a 
successful  doctor  of  osteopathy,  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  born 
in  Pittsburgh,  April  18,  1866,  and  is  the  son  of  Henry  and  Mary  E.  (Lam- 
berts)  Dietz. 

Henry  Dietz  came  to  this  country  from  Germany  when  a  young  man 
and  settled  in  Pittsburgh.  He  died  at  the  age  of  34  years,  and  his  wife 
died  at  the  age  of  85.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children: 
Adam,  deceased;  Mary  Patterson,  lives  in  Pittsburgh,  Pa.;  Emma  Dietz, 
lives  in  Pittsburgh;  Harry,  lives  at  Toronto,  Ohio;  and  William  S.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

William  S.  Dietz  received  his  early  education  in  the  schools  of  Pitts- 
burgh and  in  1907  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of  Osteopathy  at  the 
Union  School  of  Osteopathy,  Wheeling,  W.  Va.  He  then  practiced  his 
profession  in  Pittsburgh  until  1916,  when  he  removed  to  Erie.  He  has 
offices  in  the  Commerce  Building  and  has  an  extensive  practice.  Doctor 
Dietz  has  taken  post  graduate  work  in  the  Palmer  Chiropractic  School 
at  Oklahoma  City,  Okla.,  and  a  course  of  Electronic  Medicine  at  Brad- 
ford, Pa. 

Doctor  Dietz  has  four  children:  Sherman,  Seleah  Beatty,  Ada  B.,  and 
Charles,  all  living  in  Pittsburgh. 

Doctor  Dietz  is  a  member  of  the  Lutheran  church  and  belongs  to  the 
Knights  of  Malta  and  Elks  lodge. 

Dr.  Fred  Thomas  Hicks,  well  known  doctor  of  osteopathy  and  highly 
esteemed  citizen  of  Erie,  is  a  native  of  Canada.  He  was  born  at  Lotus, 
Ontario,  June  2,  1877,  and  is  the  son  of  William  T.  and  Esther  (Parsons) 
Hicks. 

William  T.  Hicks  and  his  wife  were  born  in  Canada  and  settled  in 
Erie  in  1888  where  he  followed  his  trade  as  a  mill  wright.  He  is  now 
deceased.  His  wife  resides  at  614  East  23rd  Street,  Erie.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hicks,  who  were  married  Feb.  2,  1875,  four  children  were  born: 
Nellie  A.  Schmid,  a  nurse  at  the  Soldiers'  Home,  lives  with  her  mother 
in  Erie;  Fred  Thomas,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  J.  Howard,  a  leading 


778  History  of  Erie  County 

architect  of  Erie,  with  oflfices  in  the  Palace  Building;  and  Evelyn  Blanche 
Tanner  of  Erie. 

Fred  Thomas  Hicks  received  his  early  education  in  Canada  and  after 
coming  to  Erie  with  his  parents  attended  the  public  and  high  schools 
here.  In  1912  he  took  up  the  study  of  osteopathy  at  Kirksville,  Mo., 
which  he  completed  in  1915.  He  then  began  the  practice  of  his  profession 
at  Oregon,  111.,  and  in  1918  located  in  Erie.  In  1921  he  removed  to  his 
present  location,  124  West  7th  Street,  where  he  has  an  extensive  practice. 

Doctor  Hicks  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County  Osteopathic  Society, 
of  which  he  served  as  secretary  and  treasurer  for  three  years,  and  he 
belongs  to  the  State  and  American  Osteopathic  Associations. 

On  June  21,  1905,  Doctor  Hicks  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Blanche  Helene  Ellis,  a  native  of  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  born  March  9, 
1879,  and  the  daughter  of  Rev.  WiUiam  H.  and  Sarah  Elizabeth  (Kirby) 
Ellis.  Reverend  Ellis,  who  now  resides  at  Uniontown,  Pa.,  served  as 
pastor  of  the  Second  Baptist  Church  in  Erie  for  one  year.  His  wife  is 
deceased.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Irene  Carrie 
Sweyer,  lives  at  821  East  25th  Street,  Erie;  Mrs.  Hicks;  Jessie  Estelle, 
deceased ;  William  Stanley,  lives  at  Uniontown,  Pa. ;  Rachel  Gertrude  Van- 
Kirk,  lives  at  Bellevue,  Pa.;  and  Leon  G.,  lives  in  Philadelphia.  Doctor 
and  Mrs.  Hicks  have  two  children:  William  Roland,  born  June  13,  1908; 
and  Wallace  Arnold,  born  Nov.  16,  1911;  a  son,  Frederick  Ellis,  died  in 
infancy. 

Doctor  Hicks  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church,  and 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 
He  ranks  among  the  progressive  men  in  his  profession. 

R.  B.  Way,  a  well  known  and  substantial  citizen  of  Erie  County,  who 
is  successfully  engaged  in  the  real  estate  and  insurance  business  at  Erie, 
is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  born  in  Center  County,  Aug.  14,  1894, 
and  is  the  son  of  Benner  W.  and  Anna  C.  (Sellers)  Way. 

Benner  W.  Way  was  born  at  Buffalo  Run,  in  Center  County,  Pa.,  where 
he  engaged  in  general  farming.  Later,  he  was  a  merchant.  He  died  in 
1922  at  the  age  of  70  years  and  his  wife  now  resides  at  State  College,  Pa. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Way  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Earl  C, 
deceased;  Ida  M.,  married  P.  B.  Meek,  lives  at  State  College,  Pa.;  I.  G., 
lives  at  Erie;  A.  S.,  also  lives  at  Erie;  and  R.  B.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 


History  of  Erie  County  779 

R.  B.  Way  spent  his  boyhood  on  his  father's  farm  in  Pennsylvania  and 
attended  the  public  schools.  He  was  a  student  at  Altoona,  Pa.,  and  later 
attended  high  school  and  a  year  at  State  College,  Pa.  When  a  young 
man  he  became  associated  with  the  Aluminum  Cooking  Utensil  Company 
and  later  with  the  Colgate  Company  at  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  In  1913  he  came 
to  Erie  and  at  the  age  of  21  years  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  there, 
in  which  he  has  since  been  successfully  engaged.  He  organized  the  R.  B. 
Way  Company  and  is  president  of  the  concern.  Mr.  Way  is  also  president 
of  the  Frontier  Company,  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Penn-Erie  Land 
Company,  vice  president  of  the  Citizens  Mortgage  Company,  president  of 
Erie  Real  Estate  Board  and  secretary  of  Erie  Industrial  Board. 

On  Dec.  21,  1915,  Mr.  Way  was  married  to  Miss  Grace  F.  Reeder.  of 
Altoona,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  Charles  W.  and  Addie  (Bates)  Reeder. 
To  this  union  a  daughter  has  been  born,  Virginia  Grace,  born  Feb.  9,  1924. 

Politically,  Mr.  Way  is  a  Republican.  He  holds  membership  in  the 
First  Methodist  Church  of  Erie,  is  a  32nd  degree  Mason,  a  member  of  the 
Shrine,  Elks,  Erie  Club,  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Erie  Yacht  Club,  Erie 
Motor  Club,  Old  Colony  Club,  and  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Mr.  Way  is  a  believer 
in  progressive  methods  in  his  business,  and  is  always  ready  to  support 
the  best  interests  of  the  community. 

F.  R.  Simmons,  a  well  known  pioneer  business  man  of  Erie,  who  is 
engaged  in  the  wholesale  dairy  business,  was  born  at  East  Springfield,  Pa., 
March  3,  1845,  and  is  the  son  of  Elliott  and  Mary  (Hart)  Simmons. 

Elliott  Simmons  was  born  at  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  in  1810,  and  was  among 
the  early  settlers  of  Springfield,  Pa.,  where  he  was  proprietor  of  a  tannery 
for  35  years.  His  wife  was  born  at  Weston,  Vt.,  and  died  at  the  age  of 
25  years.  They  had  two  children:  Herman,  who  died  at  the  age  of  13 
years ;  and  F.  R.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

After  attending  the  schools  of  Springfield,  Pa.,  F.  R.  Simmons  entered 
Oberlin  College,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1870.  He  then  taught 
school  for  three  years  and  in  1873  came  to  Erie,  where  he  became  inter- 
ested in  the  hide  and  leather  business,  in  which  he  was  successfully  en- 
gaged until  1915.  Beside  this  business,  Mr.  Simmons  in  1889  entered  the 
cold  storage  business.  He  owned  the  first  cold  storage  plant  between 
Cleveland  and  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  He  deals  in  butter,  eggs,  cheese  and  other 
dairy  products. 

In  1872  Mr.  Simmons  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Susanna  Als- 
dorf,  a  native  of  Utica,  Ohio,  and  the  daughter  of  William  and  Sarah 


780  History  of  Erie  County 

(Reed)  Alsdorf,  deceased.  Mrs.  Simmons  died  in  1917  and  is  buried  in 
Erie.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Simmons  a  daughter  was  born,  Ruth,  now  the 
wife  of  A.  W.  Brevillier,  who  Hves  in  Erie.  They  have  a  daughter,  Ruth, 
born  in  1904.    She  married  Robert  VanCleve  and  they  live  in  Erie. 

Mr.  Simmons  is  a  Repubhcan  and  for  50  years  has  held  membership 
in  the  Park  Presbyterian  Church.  He  is  a  reliable  citizen  and  has  been 
able  to  build  up  a  successful  business  by  his  integrity  and  progressive 
methods.  During  the  years  of  1880  and  1885  Mr.  Simmons  was  a  mem- 
ber of  Common  and  Select  Council  of  Erie. 

Frederick  Brevillier,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Germany,  born  Aug. 
29,  1838,  and  the  son  of  Alexander  and  Christiane  Brevillier.  The  family 
was  of  French-Huguenot  origin  and  the  founders  of  the  family  in  Ger- 
many were  refugees  who  fled  from  France  to  escape  the  persecutions  inci- 
dent to  the  revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes  in  1685. 

After  receiving  his  education  in  the  schools  of  his  native  land,  Fred- 
erick Brevillier  came  to  this  country  with  his  parents  in  1854.  They  set- 
tled in  Erie,  where  his  elder  brother,  Gustav  F.,  had  taken  up  his  residence 
several  years  previously.  In  1855  Mr.  Brevillier  was  a  student  in  the 
Erie  Academy,  and  in  the  spring  of  the  following  year  he  became  an 
employe  in  a  large  importing  house  in  New  York  City,  where  he  remained 
until  the  latter  part  of  1857.  Later,  he  attended  business  college  in 
Cleveland,  after  which  he  accepted  the  position  of  secretary  and  treas- 
urer of  the  Croton  Glass  Works,  at  New  Castle,  Pa.,  but  returned  to  Erie 
a  short  time  later.  Here  he  entered  the  employ  of  J.  V.  Boyer,  who  con- 
ducted a  hardware  establishment  on  upper  State  Street.  In  January,  1861, 
he  became  bookkeeper  in  the  wholesale  grocery  establishment  of  J.  John- 
ston &  Brother,  and  on  Feb.  23,  1864,  he  was  admitted  to  the  firm  as  a 
copartner  with  Joseph  and  Orville  Johnston,  under  the  firm  name  of  John- 
ston &  Brevillier.  Under  this  title  the  business  was  conducted  for  nearly 
two  score  of  years,  and  during  all  this  time  the  reputation  of  the  firm 
was  impregnable,  while  it  advanced  to  the  rank  of  one  of  the  leading 
commercial  concerns  of  this  section  of  the  state.  Based  upon  honorable 
dealings  and  most  effective  service,  the  business  of  the  house  reached 
extensive  propoi'tions  and  covered  a  large  territory. 

On  March  12,  1901,  Joseph  Johnston  retired  from  the  firm,  owing  to 
advanced  age  and  the  desii-e  to  be  free  from  the  exactions  of  active  busi- 


cjfe^>-i-c.^-     CJyU2^''i^~'oC^^-<-''y 


History  of  Erie  County  781 

ness.  Mr.  Brevillier  purchased  his  partner's  interest  in  the  business, 
which  he  thereafter  continued,  under  his  own  name  until  April  1,  1906, 
when,  after  45  years  of  arduous  and  effective  work  in  the  wholesale 
grocery  trade,  he  too  felt  it  expedient  to  retire,  and  the  business  was 
closed  out.  Mr.  Brevillier  died  Dec.  24,  1910,  and  his  wife  died  April 
25,  1924. 

On  Oct.  6,  1864,  Mr.  Brevillier  was  married  to  Miss  Charlotte  M. 
Walther,  a  native  of  France,  and  the  daughter  of  the  late  Jacob  F.  Walther. 
To  this  union  were  born  four  sons,  all  of  whom  are  actively  identified  with 
business  interests  in  Erie.  They  are:  Frederick  A.,  Charles  G.,  Arthur 
W.  and  Edwin  H.  Brevillier. 

Frederick  A.  Brevillier,  president  of  the  Bank  of  Erie  Trust  Company, 
is  one  of  Erie  County's  most  prominent  business  men  and  highly  esteemed 
citizens.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  Sept.  6,  1866,  and  is  the  son  of  Fred- 
erick and  Charlotte  M.  Brevillier. 

Mr.  Brevillier  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie, 
■and  began  his  business  career  with  the  wholesale  grocery  firm  of  Johnston 
&  Brevillier,  where  he  remained  until  February,  1897,  at  which  time  he 
became  associated  in  business  with  C.  M.  Conrad,  and  two  years  later, 
when  the  business  of  C.  M.  Conrad  was  absorbed  by  the  Erie  Brewing 
Company,  Mr.  Brevillier  was  elected  its  secretary,  which  position  he  held 
until  January,  1919,  when  he  was  elected  vice  president  and  treasurer. 

In  the  organization  of  the  Bank  of  Erie  in  1918  he  was  elected  its 
president,  which  oflSce  he  has  since  filled.  He  is  also  connected  in  an 
official  capacity  with  the  United  Gas  &  Fuel  Company  of  Hamilton,  On- 
tario, which  supplies  natural  and  manufactured  gas  in  Hamilton,  and  is 
connected  with  the  Hamilton  By-Products  Coke  Ovens,  Ltd.,  of  Hamilton. 

On  June  28,  1893,  Mr.  Brevillier  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Katherine  E.  Conrad,  a  native  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  Charles  M.  and 
Dorothea  Conrad.  Mr.  Conrad  died  Nov.  26,  1910,  and  his  wife  died  Jan. 
22,  1882.    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brevillier  have  no  children. 

Mr.  Brevillier  is  affiliated  with  the  Masonic  fraternity,  being  a  Knights 
Templar,  32nd  degree  Scottish  Rite  Mason,  and  a  member  of  Zem  Zem 
Temple,  A.  A.  0.  Nobles  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  is  also  a  member  of 
the  Erie  Chamber  of  Commerce,  the  Erie  Club,  Kahkwa  Club,  Rotary  Club 
of  Erie,  and  other  civic  organizations.    In  politics  he  is  a  Republican. 


782  History  of  Erie  County 

Harry  M.  Kenyon  is  a  prominent  citizen  and  successful  business  man 
of  Erie.  He  is  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  with  offices  at  14  East 
8th  Street.  Mr.  Kenyon  was  born  at  Edinboro,  Pa.,  May  29,  1891,  the 
son  of  Elwin  D.  and  Euretta  (Hotchkiss)  Kenyon. 

Elwin  D.  Kenyon  is  a  substantial  citizen  of  Erie.  He  was  born  at  Edin- 
boro, Pa.,  as  was  also  his  wife.  Many  years  ago  he  came  to  Erie  and  for 
the  past  15  years  has  served  as  sales  manager  of  the  Baldwin  Real  Estate 
Company.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kenyon  have  the  following  children:  Harry  M., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Mrs.  Alberta  Young,  lives  at  Erie;  John  W., 
lives  at  Erie,  where  he  is  employed  by  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  as  a 
detective ;  and  Treva,  a  student. 

Harry  M.  Kenyon  has  lived  in  Erie  since  he  was  a  small  boy.  After 
attending  the  public  schools  he  clerked  in  a  local  clothing  store  and  at 
the  age  of  21  years  became  affiliated  with  the  Baldwin  Company,  real 
estate  dealers.  In  1916  he  engaged  in  business  for  himself  at  412  Com- 
merce Building,  where  he  was  located  until  May,  1923,  at  which  time  he 
removed  to  his  present  location.  Mr.  Kenyon  deals  in  improved  property 
exclusively  and  has  an  extensive  business. 

On  Sept.  18,  1912,  Mr.  Kenyon  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Josephine  Bergsten,  a  native  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  Charles  and 
Emma  Bergsten,  both  deceased.  Mrs.  Kenyon's  father  died  when  she 
was  a  small  child  and  her  mother  was  drowned  in  the  Erie  flood.  There 
were  three  children  in  the  Bergsten  family:  Mrs.  Helen  Hiller,  lives  at 
330  East  28th  St.,  Erie;  Mrs.  Kenyon  and  Ralph,  who  lives  at  San  Diego, 
Cal.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kenyon  have  been  born  two  children:  Lucile,  born 
July  19,  1916;  and  Marjorie,  born  July  2,  1919. 

Mr.  Kenyon  is  a  Republican  and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows  and  the  Elks  lodge.  His  wife  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic 
Church. 

Dr.  Aulrey  J.  T.  Barton  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  Erie  as  a  suc- 
cessful young  dentist.  He  was  born  in  Canada,  Jan.  6,  1899,  and  is  the 
son  of  Robert  James  and  Amelia  (Davidson)  Barton.  There  are  seven 
children  in  the  Barton  family,  as  follows:  Newton  James,  Charles  Ken- 
neth, William  Edward,  Walter  Robert,  Wilfred  Norman,  Charlotte  Sarah 
Anne,  and  Dr.  Aulrey  J.  T.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Aulrey  J.  T.  Barton  was  reared  and  educated  in  Toronto,  Canada,  and 
in  1921  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of  Dentistry.     He  has  since  prac- 


History  of  Erie  County  783 

ticed  his  profession  in  Erie  and  has  met  with  marked  success.  His  office 
is  located  at  705  Commerce  Building.  Doctor  Barton  enlisted  for  service 
during  the  World  War  and  served  two  years  overseas  with  the  Canadian 
Expeditionary  Forces. 

On  June  19,  1924,  Doctor  Barton  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Ruth  C.  Allen,  who  was  born  at  Edinboro,  Pa.,  the  daughter  of  Harvey 
and  Claudia  (Ross)  Allen.  To  Doctor  Barton  and  wife  has  been  born  a 
daughter,  Phyllis  Jean,  born  March  29,  1925. 

Politically,  Doctor  Barton  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
First  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  belongs  to  the  County,  State  and 
National  Dental  Associations.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Psi  Omega 
fraternity. 

James  D.  Walker  is  among  the  highly  esteemed  and  prominent  business 
men  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Erie,  Jan.  28,  1874,  and  is  the  son 
of  James  and  Jane  (Johnson)  Walker. 

James  Walker,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Scotland.  At  the  age  of  23 
years  he  came  to  this  country  and  settled  in  Erie  County,  Pa.,  where  he 
engaged  in  general  farming.  In  later  life  he  was  a  merchant.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Walker  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children :  Mrs.  Anna  Howe, 
deceased;  Francis  J.,  deceased;  Thomas  W.,  lives  retired  at  Erie;  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  Gwinnell,  lives  at  Erie ;  Mrs.  Jane  Jack,  lives  at  Erie ;  Mrs.  Mar- 
garet Bennett,  deceased;  Mrs.  Sarah  Warfet,  lives  at  Erie;  and  James  D., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

James  D.  Walker  grew  up  in  Erie  and  attended  the  public  schools 
there.  When  a  boy  he  learned  the  printer's  trade  and  later  became  a 
builder  of  homes.  He  has  been  actively  engaged  since  1897  in  the  pur- 
chasing of  large  plots  of  land  and  the  erection  thereon  of  very  fine  dwell- 
ings. In  addition  to  the  real  estate  and  building  business  Mr.  Walker 
has  since  1918  manufactured  hardwood  and  cloth  covered  caskets — the 
plant  which  is  one  of  the  largest  of  its  kind  in  the  world,  is  located  between 
9th  and  10th  Streets  on  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  tracks  at  Erie,  Pa. 
Mr.  Walker  is  president  and  owner  of  Erie  Burial  Case  Co.,  of  Erie.  He  is 
president  of  the  Elmira  Casket  Company  of  Elmira,  N.  Y.  His  real  estate 
offices  are  located  in  his  beautiful  new  fireproof  building  at  703  Peach 
Street. 

Mr.  Walker  has  a  son,  Everett  David,  who  was  born  in  1895.  After 
attending  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Erie,  he  spent  three  years  at 


784  History  of  Erie  County 

Swarthmore  and  Cornell  Universities,  and  one  year  at  Columbia  Uni- 
versity, New  York  City.  He  then  enlisted  in  the  World  War  and  sailed 
for  overseas  where  he  served  for  18  months.  He  returned  to  the  United 
States  in  May,  1918.  January,  1917,  he  went  into  training  camp  at  Ogle- 
thorpe, Ga.  He  served  in  the  ordnance  department.  He  is  now  engaged 
in  the  manufacturing  business  with  his  father. 

In  politics  Mr.  Walker  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He  is 
affiliated  with  the  Central  Presbyterian  Church  of  Erie,  and  belongs  to  the 
Elks  lodge,  the  Board  of  Commerce,  the  Real  Estate  Board,  the  Erie  Motor 
Club,  the  Yacht  Club  and  the  Kahkwa  Club.  Mr.  Walker  is  well  known 
in  his  community. 

Reg  H.  Howell,  registrer  of  wills  in  Erie  County,  is  a  native  of  Erie. 
He  was  born  at  21  West  2nd  Street,  Oct.  .5,  1872,  and  is  the  son  of  Chauncey 
G.  and  Isabelle  (Mehaffey)  Howell. 

Chauncey  G.  Howell,  deceased,  was  born  in  Erie  in  1841  and  his  wife 
was  born  there  in  1842.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Hugh  Mehaffey,  a  very 
early  settler  of  Erie.  Mr.  Howell  was  associated  with  the  grocery  firm  of 
French  &  McKnight,  on  State  Street,  and  died  in  1883  in  Detroit  while 
on  a  lake  trip  to  Detroit,  Mich.  His  wife  died  in  1914.  They  had  two  sons : 
Harry  P.,  who  died  Oct.  14,  1923,  at  the  age  of  56  years,  and  Reg  H.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

Reg  H.  Howell  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and  began 
life  as  a  messenger  boy  for  the  Lake  Shore  &  Michigan  Southern  Railway 
at  $22.50  per  month.  He  remained  in  their  employ  for  13  years  and  at 
the  time  of  his  resignation  was  soliciting  agent.  He  then  engaged  in  the 
life  insurance  business  representing  the  Mutual  Benefit  Life  Insurance 
Company  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  and  he  was  thus  engaged  until  his  appointment 
as  deputy  sheriff,  in  which  capacity  he  served  one  year.  He  was  then 
made  assistant  postmaster  of  Erie  under  Isador  Sobel,  and  on  March  15, 
1911,  he  again  engaged  in  the  insurance  business  with  the  above  named 
company,  with  whom  he  was  associated  until  1915.  Mr.  Howell  was  then 
elected  county  registrer  and  recorder,  taking  office  Jan.  1,  1916.  He  was 
reelected  registrer  and  recorder  in  1919  and  in  1923  was  elected  registrer 
of  wills,  when  the  office  was  automatically  divided  by  law. 

Mr.  Howell  was  married,  March  5,  1899,  to  Miss  Florence  A.  Dorsch,  of 
Erie,  the  daughter  of  John  Dorsch.  They  have  a  daughter,  Virginia,  who 
was  graduated  with  honors  from  Erie  High  School  in  the  class  of  1925. 


R.    H.   HOWEI.L 


History  of  Erie  County  785 

Mr.  Howell  is  a  Republican  and  is  identified  with  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  Knights  of  Pythias,  Erie  Maennerchor,  Elks  and 
Moose  lodges.  He  is  widely  known  throughout  Erie  County  and  is  highly 
esteemed. 

Dr.  John  J.  Koehler  is  among  the  enterprising  and  successful  young 
dentists  of  Erie  with  offices  at  701-702  Commerce  Building.  He  is  a  na- 
tive of  Philadelphia,  born  July  23,  1898,  and  a  sjn  of  Dr.  C.  E.  and 
Catherine  A.   (Ackerman)   Koehler. 

Dr.  C.  E.  Koehler,  deceased,  was  a  well  known  dentist  of  Erie,  where 
he  practiced  his  profession  for  20  years.  He  died  at  the  age  of  45  years 
and  his  widow  resides  at  344  East  Eighth  Street,  Erie.  To  Doctor  and 
Mrs.  Koehler  were  born  three  children:  Marion  Devine,  lives  in  Erie; 
Dr.  John  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Catherine,  dietician  at  the 
University  Hospital,  Philadelphia. 

John  J.  Koehler  was  graduated  from  Central  High  School,  Erie,  in 
1917,  and  after  completing  a  year's  study  at  Western  Reserve  Univer- 
sity, Cleveland,  he  enlisted  in  the  Medical  Reserve  Corps  for  service  dur- 
ing the  World  War.  He  was  transferred  to  the  Pittsburgh  University 
Dental  School,  where  he  received  his  degree  of  Doctor  of  Dentistry  in 
1921.     He  has  since  been  located  in  Erie. 

Doctor  Koehler  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Lutheran  Memorial 
Church,  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge  and  Shrine,  the  Elks  and  the 
Delta  Sigma  Delta  fraternity.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  County  Dental 
Society,  the  Pennsylvania  State  Dental  Association,  the  Lake  Erie  Dental 
Society,  and  the  American  Dental  Association.  Doctor  Koehler  has  an 
extensive  acquaintance  in  Erie  and  is  held  in  the  highest  esteem. 

S.  H.  Drown,  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Drown-Russell  Company,  real 
estate  and  insurance  dealers,  ranks  among  the  pi'ogressive  and  enterpris- 
ing business  men  of  Erie.  He  was  born  on  a  farm  in  Green  Township, 
Erie  County,  Sept.  12,  1876,  and  is  the  son  of  Hosea  and  Melvina  M.  (Hil- 
born)  Drown. 

Hosea  Drown  was  born  in  Green  Township,  July  13,  1833,  and  his 
wife  was  also  a  native  of  the  same  township,  born  March  31,  1848.  He 
followed  general  farming  during  his  life  and  met  with  success.  He  died 
in  1912  and  his  wife  died  in  1906.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Drown  had  four  children: 
Myron  Cyril,  Hves  at  Erie;  S.  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Arthur  L., 
(50) 


786  History  of  Erie  County 

engaged  in  business  with  his  brother,  S.  H. ;  and  Mrs.  Bertha  Catherine 
French,  lives  at  Newark,  Ohio. 

S.  H.  Drown  was  reared  on  his  father's  farm  and  was  educated  in  the 
district  schools  and  also  attended  the  Erie  public  schools.  On  Feb.  1,  1901, 
he  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  at  716  State  Street,  where  he  re- 
mained until  1911,  at  which  time  he  removed  to  his  present  location  in 
the  Marine  National  Bank  Building.  The  firm  of  Drown-Russell  Company 
was  organized  on  Jag.  1,  1918. 

On  Sept.  12,  1901,  Mr.  Drown  was  married  to  Miss  Bertha  L.  Russell, 
the  daughter  of  Thomas  J.,  and  Amy  (Campbell)  Russell,  residents  of 
Erie.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Drown  have  no  children.  In  politics  Mr.  Drown  is 
identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Central  Pres- 
byterian Church,  a  33rd  degree  Mason,  the  Zem-Zem  Temple  of  the  Mystic 
Shrine,  at  Erie,  and  belongs  to  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  the  Erie 
Real  Estate  Board. 

Isaac  Baker.  Among  the  most  prominent  pioneer  business  men  and 
influential  citizens  of  Erie  is  Isaac  Baker  of  the  firm  of  Isaac  Baker  & 
Son,  clothiers,  629  State  Street.  His  many  years  residence  in  this  city 
have  been  spent  not  only  in  establishing  this  extensive  business  but  in 
promoting  the  public  interests  of  Erie  in  many  directions.  He  is  a  native 
of  Germany,  born  in  the  province  of  Rhine,  Aug.  22,  1847,  and  the  son 
of  Bernard  and  Barbara  Baker,  both  natives  of  Germany. 

When  the  family  came  to  the  United  States  in  1849,  they  located  at 
once  in  Erie,  but  after  remaining  here  for  about  two  months  removed  to 
Girard,  Pa.,  which  remained  the  family  home  for  eight  or  nine  years, 
during  which  time  the  father  engaged  in  general  merchandising.  Mr. 
Baker  then  returned  to  Erie  with  his  family,  where  he  established  a  cloth- 
ing and  dry  goods  business,  and  was  thus  engaged  until  the  time  of  his 
death,  his  wife  having  died  several  years  previous.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Baker  were  born  six  children,  namely:  Isaac,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
Sarah,  deceased;  Emma  Ostheimer,  lives  in  Erie;  Helen,  deceased;  Frank, 
deceased ;  and  Henry,  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  in  Cleveland. 

Isaac  Baker  was  reared  in  Girard  and  Erie,  received  his  education  in 
the  public  schools  of  these  two  places  and  at  the  age  of  14  years  became 
his  father's  regular  assistant  in  the  conduct  of  his  business,  subsequently 
becoming  a  member  of  the  firm.  Upon  the  retirement  of  the  senior  mem- 
ber of  the  firm  from  active  business,  Isaac  Baker  and  his  brother-in-law 
succeeded  to  the  business,  their  store  then  being  located  at  510  State 


History  of  Erie  County  787 

Street.  In  about  1869  they  purchased  what  was  then  known  as  the  Cald- 
well Block  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Fifth  and  State  streets,  which  they 
remodeled  into  what  became  the  leading  wholesale  and  retail  clothing  store, 
as  well  as  merchant  tailoring  house  in  Erie  or  this  portion  of  the  state. 
The  original  style  of  the  firm  was  B.  Baker  but  upon  his  son's  association 
with  his  brother-in-law,  Jacob  Ostheimer,  it  became  Baker  &  Ostheimer. 
Upon  the  retirement  of  the  latter,  Alfred  Baker,  son  of  Isaac,  was  admitted 
into  the  firm,  which  then  became  Isaac  Baker  &  Son,  as  at  present.  The 
business  has  been  in  its  present  location  since  1906,  a  modern  four  story, 
brick  building.  During  the  time  Mr.  Baker  was  engaged  in  the  wholesale 
business  he  became  well  known  among  the  business  men  in  the  following 
counties  of  Pennsylvania:  Crawford,  Mercer,  Butler,  Venango  and  Law- 
rence. 

Mr.  Baker  is  acknowledged  not  only  to  be  one  of  the  leading  merchants 
of  Erie  but  among  its  most  public  spirited  and  progressive  citizens,  his 
interest  in  all  forms  of  public  education  and  charitable  work  being  especially 
deep.  He  was  one  of  the  original  promoters  of  the  Erie  Public  Library, 
having  been  one  of  the  board  which  permitted  the  city  to  own  its  own 
library  and  largely  through  his  energy  and  wisdom  this  institution  has 
become  one  of  the  leaders  of  its  kind  in  the  state.  As  stated  he  has  also 
been  identified  with  the  local  board  of  education  and  has  been  a  member 
of  the  board  since  1885  and  for  two  terms  served  as  its  president.  He  has 
also  been  a  trustee  of  St.  Vincent's  Hospital  since  its  organization.  He  is 
also  at  the  head  of  various  social  and  religious  organizations  of  the  city 
and  is  an  active  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  is  also  a  director 
of  the  Security  &  Savings  Bank,  of  which  he  was  an  organizer.  Mr. 
Baker  is  a  member  of  the  Jewish  faith  and  served  as  president  of  the 
Jewish  temple  in  Erie,  for  a  number  of  years. 

At  the  age  of  24  years  Mr.  Baker  was  married  to  Miss  Bertha  Einhorn, 
a  native  of  New  York  City,  and  the  daughter  of  Rev.  Dr.  David  Einhorn, 
one  of  the  most  noted  reform  rabbis  of  his  time.  The  five  children  born 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baker  are:  Clara,  the  widow  of  J.  Mayer,  a  prominent 
merchant  of  Cleveland  for  many  years;  Alfred,  a  member  of  the  fimi  of 
Isaac  Baker  &  Son,  married  Blanche  Goldman,  of  Baltimore,  Md. ;  Edward 
M.,  a  graduate  of  the  University  of  Chicago,  lives  in  Cleveland,  where  he 
is  president  of  the  Cleveland  Stock  Exchange;  Belle,  lives  at  home;  and 
Florence,  married  Rabbi  Max  C.  Currick,  lives  in  Erie. 

Mr.  Baker  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  and  University  clubs. 


788  History  of  Erie  County 

Peter  LeSueur,  principal  of  the  Erie  Conservatory  of  Music  since  its 
inception  in  1913,  has  had  a  long  and  distinguished  career  in  the  realm 
of  music.  He  began  the  study  of  the  piano  at  the  age  of  seven  and  the 
organ  a  year  later.  At  nine  he  was  appointed  organist  of  the  Aquila 
Road  Church,  Jersey,  England,  which  fact  was  commented  upon  in  an 
article  on  "Musical  Prodigies"  in  the  San  Francisco  "Argonaut."  He  was 
organist  of  the  Victoria  Street  Congregational  Church  at  16 ;  winner  of 
the  medal  offered  by  the  "Western  Daily  Mail,"  Cardiff,  for  original  com- 
position, and  of  numerous  prizes  offered  by  various  musical  journals  for 
compositions,  articles  on  musical  history  and  musical  knowledge.  He  did 
considerable  concert  work  as  piano  soloist  and  accompanist  and  gave  many 
organ  recitals. 

After  passing  the  Preliminary  Arts  examination  for  Bachelor  of 
Music,  Oxford  University,  he  matriculated  at  New  College  in  1892,  getting 
through  the  Intermediate  Mus.  Bac.  exams  in  due  course.  Before  taking 
his  final  exams  he  received  at  the  hands  of  Mr.  A.  J.  Eyre,  organist  of 
the  Crystal  Palace,  London,  after  competitive  examination,  the  valuable 
colonial  appointments  of  Solo  Organist  and  Music  Master  of  the  Meth- 
odist College,  St.  John's,  Newfoundland,  and  Organist  and  Choirmaster 
of  Gower  Street  Church.  Four  years  later  he  received  leave  of  absence 
and  successfully  took  the  final  exams  for  Bachelor  of  Music  under  Sir 
John  Stainer,  the  University  Professor  of  Music ;  Sir  C.  Huburt  H.  Parry, 
the  Choragus,  and  Sir  Walter  Parratt.  Mr.  LeSueur  has  also  taken  the 
Fellowship  diploma  of  the  Royal  College  of  Organists,  London  (the  high- 
est diploma  obtainable  in  the  organ  playing  world),  with  Sir  George  C. 
Martin,  Organist  of  St.  Paul's  Cathedral,  London ;  Sir  Frederick  Bridge, 
Organist  of  Westminster  Abbey,  and  other  famous  musicians  as  exam- 
iners. He  also  passed  the  searching  requirements  for  the  diploma  of 
Licentiate  of  the  Royal  Academy  of  Music,  London.  Mr.  LeSueur  held 
his  Newfoundland  appointments  for  ten  years,  during  which  time  he 
taught  piano,  organ,  voice  and  theoretical  branches,  making  a  brilliant 
reputation  for  himself  as  a  pedagogue.  Some  hundreds  of  pupils  passed 
through  his  hands  and  many  are  now  occupying  honored  positions  in  the 
musical  world.  He  was  founder  and  conductor  of  St.  John's  Choral  and 
Orchestral  Society  and  received  the  honor  of  presentation  to  the  present 
King  and  Queen  of  England  at  Government  House,  St.  John's.  He  came 
to  Erie  in  1905  as  organist  and  choirmaster  of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Cathe- 
dral, which  position  he  now  holds.    He  was  made  a  Fellow  of  the  American 


History  of  Erie  County         ■  789 

Guild  of  Organists  in  1912,  and  asked  to  form  a  Western  Pennsylvania 
Chapter  of  the  Guild,  but  the  pressure  of  his  many  musical  activities 
compelled  him  to  decline.  He  was  director  of  Thiel  College  Conservatory 
of  Music  for  five  years  and  relinquished  this  position  to  devote  his  entire 
time  to  the  exacting  requirements  of  his  Cathedral  and  Conservatory 
duties  in  Erie. 

Mr.  LeSueur  was  born  at  Jersey,  England,  Jan.  9,  1871,  and  is  the 
son  of  Peter  and  Miriam  LeSueur,  the  latter  deceased.  There  were  six 
children  in  the  LeSueur  family:  Peter,  Florence,  Mabel,  Charles,  Maude 
and  Percival. 

In  August,  1905,  Mr.  LeSueur  was  married  in  St.  John's  Church, 
Westminster,  London,  England,  to  Miss  Muriel  Kate  Hunter  Watts.  They 
have  a  son,  John  Hunter,  born  in  Erie  July  8,  1912. 

Mr.  LeSueur  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Cathe- 
dral and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  Lodge,  Rotary  Club  and  the  Chamber 
of  Commerce. 

Ethard  A.  Rhoads  is  among  Erie's  prominent  young  business  men. 
He  was  born  at  Omaha,  Neb.,  March  31,  1903,  and  is  a  son  of  Clyde  and 
Jennie  (Blair)  Rhoads. 

Clyde  Rhoads,  deceased,  was  born  at  Claypool,  Ind.,  May  12,  1870. 
For  22  years  he  operated  a  feather  mattress  plant  in  Indiana,  which  he 
sold  in  1915.  Since  1915  the  Rhoads  family  has  resided  at  Erie,  where 
Mr.  Rhoads  was  successfully  engaged  in  the  transfer  business  for  many 
years.  He  died  in  1922  and  is  buried  at  Silverlake,  Ind.  His  wife  was 
born  at  Silverlake,  Ind.,  in  1873,  and  lives  at  240  West  18th  Street,  Erie. 
She  is  the  owner  of  the  Clyde  Rhoads  Transfer  Company.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Rhoads  one  child  was  born,  Ethard  A.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Ethard  A.  Rhoads  received  his  education  in  the  public  and  high  schools 
at  Erie  and  is  a  gi-aduate  of  the  New  York  Military  Academy.  He  is  now 
in  charge  of  his  father's  business,  which  is  among  the  leading  enterprises 
of  its  kind  in  the  city.  Mr.  Rhoads  operates  14  automobile  trucks  and 
does  all  kinds  of  moving'  and  trucking. 

On  Aug.  28,  1922,  Mr.  Rhoads  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Leona  Brady,  of  Greenville,  Pa.,  and  they  have  one  son,  Robert,  born 
June  26,  1928. 

Mr.  Rhoads  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church 
and  belongs  to  the  Eagles  lodge. 


790  History  of  Erie  County 

John  J.  Quinn,  funeral  director,  is  among  the  substantial  and  well 
known  business  men  of  Erie.  He  was  born  there,  April  22,  1893,  and 
is  a  son  of  W.  J.  and  Sarah  (McMahon)  Quinn. 

W.  J.  Quinn  was  a  native  of  County  Tyrone,  Ireland,  born  in  1845. 
At  the  age  of  ten  years  he  came  to  this  country  with  his  parents  and 
settled  at  Providence,  R.  I.,  where  he  was  educated.  He  served  through- 
out the  Civil  War  as  a  captain  in  the  Rhode  Island  cavalry  and  after 
the  close  of  the  war  removed  to  Erie,  where  he  engaged  in  the  under- 
taking business.  Mr.  Quinn  was  actively  engaged  in  his  profession  for 
45  years,  and  died  suddenly  on  Nov.  22,  1919.  He  was  a  member  of  St. 
Patrick's  Catholic  Church  and  a  highly  esteemed  member  of  his  com- 
munity. His  wife  was  born  in  New  York  City  in  1855  and  died  March 
23,  1920.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Quinn  were  the  parents  of  seven  children,  four 
of  whom  are  now  living. 

John  J.  Quinn  attended  the  schools  of  Erie  and  in  1912  became 
associated  in  business  with  his  father  at  his  present  location,  133  East 
4th  Street.  He  served  during  the  World  War  in  the  school  of  arms 
at  Camp  Lee,  being  in  service  from  September,  1917,  until  December, 
1918.  On  Feb.  3,  1925,  Mr.  Quinn  was  married  to  Harriet  Burgess 
Parke,  born  in  Erie,  Pa.,  a  daughter  of  John  F.  and  Sarah  (Burgess) 
Parke.  Mr.  Parke  is  deceased  and  Mrs.  Parke  resides  at  315  West  7th 
Street,  Erie  Pa. 

Politically  Mr.  Quinn  is  identified  with  the  Democratic  party.  He  is 
a  member  of  St.  Patrick's  Catholic  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Knights 
of  Columbus,  the  Elks  Club,  the  Erie  Yacht  Club  and  the  American 
Legion.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  Morticians  Association,  the  Penn- 
sylvania Funeral  Directors  Association,  as  well  as  the  national  organ- 
ization. 

William  Hagenlocher,  who  ranks  among  the  successful  real  estate 
operators  of  Erie,  was  born  there,  Oct.  13,  1886,  the  son  of  Jacob  and 
Anna   (Rose)   Hagenlocher. 

Jacob  Hagenlocher  was  born  in  Germany,  as  was  also  his  wife.  In 
1870  he  came  to  this  country  and  located  at  Erie,  where  he  entered  the 
employ  of  the  Erie  City  Iron  Works.  For  the  past  18  years  he  has  lived 
retired.  His  wife  died  in  1919  and  is  buried  in  Erie  cemetery.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hagenlocher  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Mary,  de- 
ceased; Henry,  lives  in  Erie,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  manufacturing 


History  of  Erie  County  791 

business;  Charles,  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  at  Erie;  George, 
deceased;  Frank,  lives  in  Erie;  William,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Anna, 
who  is  employed  in  her  brother  William's  office;  Lena,  a  trained  nurse, 
lives  in  Erie;  Ernest,  engaged  in  the  electrical  supply  business  in  Erie; 
Edith,  married  Hubert  Bi-ubacker,  lives  in  Erie;  and  Emma,  who  died 
in  1923. 

William  Hagenlocher  received  his  education  in  the  public  and  high 
schools  at  Erie  and  after  completing  his  schooling  became  interested  in 
the  manufacturing  business.  In  1909  he  sold  his  manufacturing  plant 
and  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  at  1108  State  Street.  Two  years 
later  he  removed  to  his  present  location  at  27  East  8th  Street. 

On  June  23,  1914,  Mr.  Hagenlocher  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Lillian  E.  Blass,  of  Erie.  She  is  a  daughter  of  Adam  and  Mary  Blass, 
residents  of  Erie.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hagenlocher  has  been  born  one  daugh- 
ter, Martha  Jane,  born  in  May,  1916. 

In  politics  Mr.  Hagenlocher  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Lutheran  Memorial  Church  of  Erie  and  belongs 
to  the  Masonic  and  Elks  lodges  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  a 
public  spirited  citizen  who  holds  the  high  regard  of  all  who  know  him. 

Leo  J.  Burgoyne,  a  successful  and  well  known  merchant  of  Erie,  who 
is  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  at  461  East  6th  Street,  is  a  native 
of  Erie.  He  was  born  March  2,  1881,  and  is  a  son  of  John  J.  and  Mary 
(Hanley)  Burgoyne. 

John  J.  Burgoyne,  deceased,  was  born  in  Harbor  Creek  Township, 
Erie  County,  in  1854.  He  served  as  a  mail  carrier  for  a  number  of  years 
and  was  in  the  service  when  there  were  only  18  men  employed  at  the 
Erie  postoffice.  He  later  engaged  in  the  livery  business  at  7th  and  French 
streets.  He  died  in  1909,  and  is  buried  in  Trinity  cemetery.  His  wife 
is  a  native  of  Erie  Where  she  now  resides.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burgoyne  were 
the  parents  of  six  children,  as  follows:  Sarah,  a  teacher,  lives  in  Erie; 
Mrs.  Agnes  Taylor,  lives  in  New  York;  James,  employed  by  the  General 
Electric  Company,  lives  at  Erie ;  John  J.,  ticket  agent  at  the  union  station, 
Erie;  Leo  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Susan,  at  home. 

Leo  J.  Burgoyne  was  reared  in  Erie  and  attended  the  public  and  high 
schools  there.  When  a  young  man  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Dispatch 
Printing  &  Engraving  Company  of  Erie,  where  he  remained  until  1917. 
He  then  established  a  grocery  business  at  5th  and  Wallace  streets,  which 


792  History  of  Erie  County 

he  sold  in  1921.  He  then  purchased  the  grocery  business  of  William 
Schwab,  which  was  established  in  1900.  He  handles  a  staple  line  of 
groceries,  candies,  cigars,  tobacco  and  patent  medicines,  and  is  among  the 
leading  merchants  of  the  community. 

On  Aug.  24,  1920,  Mr.  Burgoyne  was  married  to  Miss  Rosella  Cauley, 
a  native  of  Hollywood,  Cal.,  and  a  daughter  of  John  J.  and  Mary  (Welch) 
Cauley,  residents  of  Hollywood,  Cal.  Mrs.  Burgoyne  is  a  graduate  of 
Mount  Mercy  Academy,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burgoyne  one 
child  has  been  born,  Rosella,  born  Oct.  7,  1923.  Their  residence  is  located 
at  333  East  6th  Street. 

Mr.  Burgoyne  is  a  Republican  and  he  and  his  family  hold  membership 
in  the  St.  Patrick's  Catholic  Church. 

Karl  E.  Morrison  is  a  leading  architect  and  prominent  citizen  of  Erie. 
He  was  born  at  Lowville,  Erie  County,  March  23,  1886,  and  is  the  son  of 
Albert  G.  and  Elizabeth  (Ensign)  Morrison. 

Albert  G.  Morrison  was  born  at  Newmarket,  Ontario,  Canada,  and  his 
wife  was  a  native  of  North  East,  Pa.  In  early  life  he  was  a  merchant  and 
also  engaged  in  general  farming.  Later  he  became  interested  in  the  insur- 
ance business  and  represented  the  Metropolitan  and  Mutual  Life  of  New 
York  and  the  New  York  Life  Insurance  Company.  He  now  lives  retired 
in  Los  Angeles,  Cal.  His  wife  died  June  1,  1913.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morrison 
four  children  were  born  as  follows :  Walter  L.,  born  June  9,  1884,  a  mining 
engineer,  Portland,  Ore. ;  Karl  E.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch ;  Leon  A., 
born  June  8,  1889,  a  mail  carrier,  Erie ;  and  Gertrude,  born  Oct.  28,  1896, 
married  N.  N.  Kilburn,  Erie. 

Karl  E.  Morrison  was  reared  on  the  Downing  farm  in  Erie  County 
and  attended  East  Mill  Creek  school,  Erie  High  School,  and  Syracuse  Uni- 
versity. He  followed  his  profession  in  the  employ  of  the  state  of  New  York 
and  was  also  connected  with  various  architects'  offices  in  New  York  and 
New  England.  Mr.  Morrison  formed  a  partnership  with  Frank  A.  Shutts 
in  1912,  and  they  are  widely  known.  They  are  the  designers  of  the  Central 
Bank  &  Trust  Company  Bank  building,  and  the  office  of  the  Erie  Lighting 
Company,  besides  many  commercial  buildings  and  fine  residences. 

On  June  18,  1913,  Mr.  Morrison  was  married  to  Miss  Edna  Wolfgang, 
of  Albany,  N.  Y.,  and  the  daughter  of  Fred  A.  and  Jane  A.  (Zinn)  Wolf- 
gang, natives  of  New  York.  They  reside  at  271  Elm  Street,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morrison  have  four  children:    Ralph  K.,  born  April  20,  1914; 


KARL  E.   MORRISON 


History  of  Erie  County  793 

K.  Raymond,  born  March  9,  1918;  Earl  C,  born  May  1,  1920;  and  Jane 
E.,  born  Nov.  26,  1921. 

Mr.  Morrison  is  president  of  the  Erie  Chapter  of  the  American  Institute 
of  Architects,  and  in  1923  was  delegate  to  the  national  convention  in  Chi- 
cago. In  1921  he  served  as  vice  president  of  the  Erie  Builders  Exchange. 
He  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  the 
Masonic  Lodge,  Shrine,  University  Club,  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  Chamber  of  Com- 
merce and  a  charter  member  of  the  Kiwanis  Club. 

C.  N.  Lochner  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War  and  a  prominent  young 
business  man  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in  Erie,  May  11,  1890,  the  son  of  A. 
C.  and  Lena  (Mangold)  Lochner. 

A.  C.  Lochner  was  a  native  of  Erie,  born  in  1862.  His  parents  had 
settled  here  the  previous  year  and  were  among  the  leading  pioneers  of 
the  county.  Mr.  Lochner  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  for  35  years 
and  died  in  April,  1914.  His  wife's  family  settled  here  in  1858  and  she 
was  the  daughter  of  Frank  Mangold.  She  resides  in  Erie.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Lochner  had  five  children,  as  follows:  Carrie,  C.  N.,  Mrs.  Julia  Spaeder, 
Marcella  and  Amanda,  all  of  whom  reside  in  Erie. 

C.  N.  Lochner  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and 
when  a  young  man  entered  the  employ  of  his  father.  He  now  manages 
the  business  established  by  his  father,  which  is  located  at  2601  Parade 
Street.    The  A.  C.  Lochner  estate  carries  a  fine  line  of  groceries. 

During  the  World  War  Mr.  Lochner  served  in  France  with  the  318th 
Infantry,  80th  Division. 

Mr.  Lochner  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church  and 
the  Elks  lodge.  He  is  unmarried.  He  has  been  successful  in  his  work 
and  is  considered  among  Erie's  efficient  citizens. 

Joseph  A.  Kneib,  a  well  known  and  substantial  citizen  of  Erie,  engaged 
in  the  dry  goods  business,  at  904  Parade  Street,  is  a  member  of  one  of 
Erie  County's  prominent  pioneer  families.  He  was  born  in  Erie,  March  19, 
1877,  and  is  the  son  of  Anthony  and  Frances  (Sanner)  Kneib. 

Anthony  Kneib  was  a  native  of  Erie,  born  in  1844  and  the  son  of 
Mathias  Kneib,  who  came  to  this  country  from  Germany  when  a  youth 
and  settled  at  Erie.  Anthony  Kneib  was  a  pioneer  merchant  of  Erie, 
where  he  operated  a  dry  goods  business  for  55  years.  At  the  age  of  72 
years  he  retired  and  in  April,  1921,  died  at  San  Diego,  Calif.    He  is  buried 


794  History  of  Erie  County 

in  Trinity  cemetery,  Erie.  Mr.  Kneib  held  membership  in  St.  John's 
Catholic  Church  and  was  highly  esteemed  in  Erie.  His  wife  was  born 
in  Delaware  County,  Iowa,  and  also  died  in  1921.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kneib 
were  the  parents  of  five  children. 

Joseph  A.  Kneib  has  always  lived  in  Erie.  After  attending  the  public 
and  high  school  he  began  as  a  clerk  in  his  father's  store,  where  he  re- 
mained continuously  until  1919,  at  which  time  he  purchased  the  business. 
Mr.  Kneib  has  an  up  to  date  store  and  carries  a  complete  line  of  dry 
goods  and  notions.     He  lives  at  351  East  26th  Street. 

Mr.  Kneib  was  married  to  Miss  Claire  E.  Etter,  of  Erie,  the  daughter 
of  John  and  Sophia  (Fryer)  Etter,  both  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kneib 
have  no  children. 

Mr.  Kneib  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  St.  John's  Catholic  Church 
and  belongs  to  the  Elks  lodge.  He  has  many  friends  in  EHe  County, 
where  the  name  of  his  family  has  been  known  and  respected  for  many 
years. 

George  B.  Nelson  is  a  progressive  and  enterprising  citizen  of  Erie, 
where  he  is  engaged  in  the  sheet  metal  and  roofing  business  at  523  East 
18th  Street.  He  was  born  in  Wisconsin,  Sept.  3,  1886,  and  is  a  son  of 
Charles  and  Caroline  (Anderson)  Nelson. 

Charles  Nelson  was  reared  in  Wisconsin  where  he  became  a  prosperous 
farmer  and  lumberman.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nelson  now  live  retired  at  Nicker- 
son,  Minn.  They  are  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  George  B., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Mrs.  Florence  McDonald,  lives  in  North  Da- 
kota; Viola,  married  John  Burg,  lives  in  North  Dakota;  Charles  Howard, 
lives  at  Duluth,  Minn.;  Hazel,  married  James  Woodard,  Hves  at  Duluth; 
Arthur,  lives  in  Idaho;  Lester,  lives  at  Duluth;  James,  and  Floyd,  both 
at  home. 

George  B.  Nelson  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Duluth  and 
Superior,  Wis.  When  a  young  boy  he  was  employed  in  the  lumber  camps 
during  the  summer  and  in  later  years  worked  in  the  mines  of  Minnesota. 
Several  years  later  he  became  interested  in  a  roofing  business  and  located 
in  Erie  in  1919,  where  he  opened  a  shop  at  1317  Parade  Street.  In  1923 
he  built  his  present  building,  at  523  East  18th  Street,  which  is  of  three 
story  brick  construction,  40x72  feet.  Mr.  Nelson  also  sells  furnaces  and 
stoves. 

On  May  26,  1918,  Mr.  Nelson  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mrs.  Anna 
Nelson  of  Cleveland,  daughter  of  John  Lister  and  Mary  Thompson.     By 


History  of  Erie  County  795 

her  former  marriage  Mrs.  Nelson  had  four  children:  Richard,  deceased; 
Margaret,  married  Timothy  J.  Conway,  lives  in  Cleveland;  John,  lives  in 
Detroit,  Mich. ;  and  Donald,  now  in  the  employ  of  Mr.  Nelson. 

In  politics  Mr.  Nelson  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Elks  lodge.  He 
also  holds  membership  in  the  Erie  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  the  Builders 
Exchange.    He  is  a  substantial  citizen  and  stands  high  in  the  community. 

Eugene  H.  Blethen,  a  progressive  and  enterprising  merchant  of  Erie, 
located  at  1807  State  Street,  was  born  at  Portland,  Maine,  July  28,  1878. 
He  is  a  son  of  James  L.  and  Ellen  M.  (Woods)  Blethen. 

James  L.  Blethen,  deceased,  was  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War.  He  was 
born  at  Portland,  Maine,  and  was  16  years  old  at  the  time  of  his  enlist- 
ment. After  the  close  of  the  war  he  served  as  a  member  of  the  Portland 
police  force  until  1881,  at  which  time  he  brought  his  family  to  Erie. 
After  his  arrival  here  he  established  a  grocery  business  now  owned  by 
his  son.  Mr.  Blethen  died  in  1899  at  the  age  of  64  years,  and  his  wife 
died  in  1908,  at  the  age  of  65  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blethen  were  members 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Simpson  Church  of  Erie.  They  were  the 
parents  of  six  children:  Francis  E.,  Edith  and  Charles  E.,  all  deceased; 
Eugene  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Arthur  E.,  lives  at  San  Diego,  Cal., 
where  he  is  engaged  in  the  poultry  business;  and  Coral  E.,  lives  at  Spar- 
tansburg.  Pa. 

Eugene  H.  Blethen  attended  district  school  No.  7  at  Erie  and  in  April, 

1898,  volunteered  in  the  service  of  the  Spanish  Am.erican  War  and  served 
in  Company  C,  15th  Pennsylvania  division.    He  was  discharged  in  March, 

1899,  and  returned  to  his  business  at  Erie.  Mr.  Blethen  moved  to  his 
present  location  at  1807  State  Street  in  1921.  He  carries  a  good  grade  of 
groceries  and  meats. 

On  Dec.  12,  1899,  Mr.  Blethen  was  married  to  Miss  Emma  L.  Adams, 
of  Wesleyville,  Pa.,  the  daughter  of  Jeremiah  and  Diana  (Roberts)  Adams. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adams,  deceased,  are  buried  in  North  East  cemetery.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Blethen  have  no  children. 

Politically,  Mr.  Blethen  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Simpson  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows,  and  the  Spanish  American  Veterans.  He  is  held  in  high 
regard  throughout  the  community  and  is  an  excellent  citizen  of  Erie 
County. 


796  History  of  Erie  County 

David  W.  Harper,  the  well  known  senior  member  of  the  firm  of 
Harper  &  Russell  Company,  real  estate  and  general  insurance,  Erie,  Pa., 
was  born  Feb.  13,  1872,  at  Toronto,  Canada,  a  son  of  William  W.  and 
Mary  Martin  (Tweed)  Harper. 

William  M.  Harper  was  born  in  Campsie  Glen,  Scotland,  Aug.  29, 
1844.  In  1868  he  came  to  the  United  States,  locating  first  at  Lynn, 
Mass.,  where  he  married  Mary  Martin  Tweed,  a  native  of  Glascow,  Scot- 
land. Later  they  removed  to  Toronto,  Canada,  where  they  lived  for  ten 
years,  and  in  1880  came  to  Erie,  Pa.,  where  Mr.  Harper  became  connected 
with  the  old  Stearns  Manufacturing  Company  and  later  engaged  in  the 
insurance  business,  in  which  he  has  been  actively  engaged  since  1890. 
He  is  still  a  very  active  man  in  his  profession.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harper 
were  the  parents  of  six  children,  as  follows:  William  Rae,  an  instructor 
in  the  public  schools  of  New  York  City;  James  L.,  died  in  Chicago  in 
1892,  but  is  buried  in  Erie;  David  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Mar- 
garet Martin,  the  wife  of  Milton  Rowley,  a  manufacturer,  lives  in  Erie ; 
Eva  Hay,  married  Jay  D.  Cudney,  lives  at  Houston,  Tex.;  and  Ruth  D., 
married  Robert  Lee  Sale,  president  of  the  Sale  Lithograph  Company,  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.  Mrs.  Harper  died  Feb.  15,  1898,  at  the  age  of  52  years,  and  is 
buried  at  Erie. 

David  W.  Harper  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Toronto  and 
EHe,  and  at  the  age  of  13  years  learned  the  moulder's  trade  with  the 
Stearns  Manufacturing  Company.  After  completing  his  trade  he  went  to 
high  school  for  two  years,  and  from  there  to  the  office  of  the  Water  Woi'ks 
Company,  as  cashier.  Later  he  was  a  stamp  clerk  in  the  Erie  postoffice 
for  three  years.  He  then  entered  the  railway  mail  service  for  a  short 
time,  and  after  having  resigned  from  that  position  he  went  into  the 
insurance  business  in  1893,  where  he  was  associated  with  his  father,  in 
the  Exchange  building  on  North  Park  Road  and  State  Street  until  1907. 
In  that  year  he  formed  a  partnership  with  James  Russell  under  the  firm 
name  of  Harper  &  Russell  Company.  Their  offices  are  located  in  the 
Ariel  building,  of  which  Mr.  Harper  is  president.  While  handling  a  gen- 
eral line  of  insurance,  the  firm  specializes  in  industrial  real  estate. 

On  June  30,  1904,  Mr.  Harper  was  married  at  Erie,  Pa.,  to  Miss 
Pearl  Critchfield,  a  native  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  John  Dawson 
and  Hattie  (Henderson)  Critchfield,  both  now  deceased.  Mr.  Critchfield 
was  an  attorney  at  law  in  Mount  Vernon,  Ohio,  where  he  practiced  his 
profession  for  35  years.    He  is  buried  at  Mount  Vernon  and  Mrs.  Critch- 


Ai^/y^ 


History  of  Erie  County  797 

field  is  buried  at  Erie.  They  were  the  parents  of  two  children:  Mrs. 
Harper,  and  one  child  who  died  in  infancy.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harper 
five  children  have  been  born :  David  Dawson,  born  in  1905,  a  student  at 
Case  School  of  Applied  Science,  Cleveland ;  William  Tweed,  born  in  1907 ; 
James  Critchfield,  born  in  1908;  Robena  Pearl,  born  in  1913;  and  John 
Rae,  born  in  1918,  the  latter  four  attending  the  Erie  public  schools.  The 
family  are  members  of  the  First  Baptist  Church. 

In  national  politics  Mr.  Harper  votes  the  Republican  ticket.  He  be- 
longs to  the  Masonic  fraternity,  the  Shrine,  the  Elks,  the  Kahkwa  Club, 
the  Erie  Club,  University  Club,  and  Yacht  Club.  He  is  also  a  member 
of  the  Rotary  Club,  being  one  of  its  charter  members.  He  is  vice  presi- 
dent of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  and  is  serving  his  second  term  as 
water  commissioner  of  Erie.  Mr.  Harper  was  the  first  president  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Real  Estate  Association,  and  has  served  as  president  of  the 
Erie  Real  Estate  Board,  and  was  a  member  of  the  common  council  in 
1901-02.  He  is  a  stockholder  and  is  financially  interested  in  a  number  of 
Erie's  financial  institutions.  Mr.  Harper  is  general  chairman  of  the  Erie 
Industrial  Board  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce.  The  industrial  board 
was  organized  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  new  industrial  plants  to  the 
city.  To  this  work  Mr.  Harper  is  devoting  much  time  and  effort.  He  is 
an  enterprising  and  far  sighted  business  man  who  has  achieved  marked 
success  by  virtue  of  hard  work  and  integrity. 

James  Russell,  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Harper  &  Russell,  ranks  among 
the  prominent  brokers  and  real  estate  operators  of  Erie.  He  was  born 
in  Baltimore,  Md.,  March  12,  1871,  and  is  a  son  of  James  and  Maria 
(Wilkins)  Russell. 

James  Russell,  Sr.,  was  born  in  Baltimore  in  1841.  He  held  an  im- 
portant position  with  the  Eutaw  Savings  bank  there  for  many  years 
and  died  in  1888.  His  wife  died  in  1876.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Russell  the 
following  children  were  born :  Edward,  died  at  the  age  of  seven  years ; 
James,  the  subject  of  this  sketch ;  Olive,  the  widow  of  Elliott  Gilpin,  lives 
at  Baltimore;  May  W.,  lives  at  Catonsville,  Md. ;  and  one  child  died  in 
infancy. 

James  Russell  resided  in  Baltimore  until  1899.  At  an  early  age  he 
became  interested  in  the  telephone  business  and  was  one  of  the  organizers 
of  the  Baltimore  Telephone  Company.  After  coming  to  Erie  he  served 
as  treasurer  of  the  Union  Telephone  Company,  which  operated  throughout 


798  History  of  Erie  County 

the  northwestern  part  of  Pennsylvania.  In  1907,  Mr.  Russell  became  asso- 
ciated in  business  with  D.  W.  Harper,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  elsewhere 
in  this  history.  Harper  &  Russell,  besides  their  brokerage  business,  deal 
in  real  estate  and  insurance.    Their  offices  are  at  306  Ariel  Building. 

In  1902,  Mr.  Russell  was  married  to  Miss  Dorothy  M.  Macintosh,  of 
Erie,  who  died  in  1911.  He  was  later  married  to  Mrs.  Gertrude  0.  Dens- 
more,  who  died  in  1921.  Mr.  Russell  was  later  married  to  Miss  Kathryn 
Langdon.    He  has  no  children. 

Mr.  Russell  is  a  Democrat,  a  32nd  degree  Mason,  and  belongs  to  the 
Rotary  Club,  Chamber  of  Commerce,  University  Club,  and  the  Real  Estate 
Board  of  Erie.     He  is  one  of  the  substantial  business  men  of  Erie. 

Otto  E.  Becker,  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  P.  A.  Becker  Company, 
is  a  substantial  citizen  and  a  member  of  one  of  Erie's  oldest  and  most 
prominent  families.  He  was  born  in  Erie,  Jan.  5,  1865,  and  is  a  son  of 
Philip  A.  and  Eugena  (Jung)  Becker. 

Philip  A.  Becker  was  born  in  Germany  and  came  to  the  United  States 
when  he  was  18  years  of  age.  He  located  in  Erie  where  he  established 
the  retail  grocery  business  in  1852,  now  owned  by  his  son.  He  died  Jan. 
12,  1888,  at  the  age  of  52  years,  and  is  buried  in  Erie  cemetery.  Mr. 
Becker  served  as  mayor  of  Erie  for  several  years  and  was  a  highly  re- 
spected citizen  of  his  community.  His  wife,  also  a  native  of  Germany 
came  to  fhis  country  with  her  parents  when  she  was  four  years  old  and 
settled  in  Baltimore,  Md.  She  died  in  1896  at  the  age  of  56  years.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Becker  had  four  children:  Eugenia,  died  in  1876,  at  the  age 
of  18  years;  Emil  A.,  born  in  January,  1861,  died  at  the  age  of  50  years; 
Arman,  died  in  infancy;  and  Otto  E.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Otto  E.  Becker  received  his  education  in  the  Erie  schools  and  in  1884 
engaged  in  business  with  his  father  and  brother,  Emil  Becker,  until  the 
father's  death  in  1888.  The  brothers  then  became  owners  of  the  store 
until  the  time  of  Emil's  demise,  when  his  widow,  Mrs.  Becker,  became 
a  stockholder  in  the  company.  The  business  is  now  conducted  under  the 
name  of  P.  A.  Becker,  and  is  located  at  531  French  Street  and  Mr.  Becker 
deals  in  high  grade  pi-oducts  exclusively. 

On  March  3,  1903,  Mr.  Becker  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Salona  A.  Smith,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  B.  A.  Smith,  of  Erie.  Dr. 
Smith  has  been  a  leading  physician  of  Erie  for  over  50  years  and  is  widely 
known.    His  wife  died  in  June,  1924.    To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Becker  a  son  was 


History  of  Erie  County  799 

born,  Philip  Smith  Becker.  After  attending  the  pubhc  and  high  schcjls 
of  Erie,  he  was  graduated  from  a  preparatory  school  at  Lawrenceville, 
N.  J.,  and  is  now  a  junior  at  Princeton  University. 

In  politics  Mr.  Becker  is  identified  with  the  Democratic  party.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  Mt.  Olivet  Commandery  and  the  Zem  Zem  Shrine  and 
belongs  to  the  Erie  Club.    He  is  an  enthusiastic  golfer. 

L.  W.  Guild,  proprietor  of  the  Keystone  Toilet  Supply  Company,  is  an 
enterprising  and  successful  business  man  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in  Spring- 
field, Mass.,  and  is  a  son  of  Dr.  E.  H.  and  L.  M.  (Maslen)  Guild. 

Dr.  E.  H.  Guild,  who  now  lives  retired  at  Springfield,  Mass.,  has  for 
many  years  been  a  prominent  physician  of  that  section.  He  was  educated 
at  John  Hopkins  University  and  is  now  at  the  head  of  the  Springfield 
Board  of  Health,  in  which  he  has  been  actively  interested  since  the  time 
of  his  retirement,  15  years  ago.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Guild  have  two  children: 
Edgar  M.,  who  resides  in  Boston,  Mass.  and  L.  W.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 

L.  W.  Guild  spent  his  boyhood  at  Springfield,  Mass.,  and  is  a  graduate 
of  New  York  University.  After  completing  his  schooling  he  traveled  for 
several  years  representing  the  Victor  Hack  Saw  Works  of  Springfield. 
He  served  two  years  during  the  World  War  with  the  Red  Cross  and 
afterward  spent  several  years  in  Philadelphia.  In  April,  1921,  he  came 
to  Erie,  where  he  established  the  Keystone  Toilet  Supply  Company.  This 
has  developed  into  the  leading  towel  supply  company  of  the  city,  and 
also  does  business  within  a  radius  of  50  miles  of  Erie.  Mr.  Guild  furnishes 
coats  and  aprons  as  well  as  linens  to  his  numerous  customers. 

Mr.  Guild  has  a  daughter,  Helen,  who  resides  in  New  York. 

Mr.  Guild  is  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church  and  belongs  to  the 
Kiwanis  Club  and  the  Delta  Upsilon  fraternity. 

John  E.  Zeiser  is  a  reliable  and  substantial  business  man  of  Erie,  where 
he  is  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  at  7th  and  Peach  avenue.  He  was 
born  in  New  York,  Oct.  16,  1870,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Barbara 
(Jerge)  Zeiser. 

John  Zeiser  was  a  native  of  Germany  as  was  also  his  wife.  He  was 
a  mason  by  trade  and  died  in  1895  at  the  age  of  54  years.  His  wife  died 
in  1892.    They  were  the  parents  of  11  children. 

John  E.  Zeiser  received  his  education  in  the  schools  at  Fairview,  Pa., 
and  at  the  age  of  15  years  was  employed  as  a  clerk  in  a  local  grocery 


800  History  of  Erie  County 

store.  In  1900  he  purchased  a  store  at  712  State  Street,  which  he  con- 
ducted until  1911  when  he  moved  to  his  present  location.  Mr.  Zeiser 
owns  one  of  the  finest  grocery  stores  in  Erie,  and  carries  a  high  grade 
line  of  domestic  and  imported  goods.  About  six  men  are  employed  in  his 
store. 

In  1891,  Mr.  Zeiser  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Barbara  Heidt 
of  Erie,  now  deceased.  To  this  union  one  son  was  born,  Lawrence  Ed- 
ward, who  now  owns  a  half  interest  in  his  father's  business.  Mr.  Zeiser 
was  later  married  to  Miss  Anna  Sponer  of  St.  Mary's  Pa. 

In  politics  Mr.  Zeiser  is  identified  with  the  Democratic  party.  He  is 
a  member  of  St.  Peter's  Catholic  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Knights  of 
Columbus  and  the  Elks  lodge,  as  well  as  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

Franklin  B.  Hosbach  is  among  the  prominent  young  attorneys  of 
Erie.  He  was  born  on  a  farm  in  McKean  Township,  Erie  County,  Oct. 
27,  1891,  and  is  the  son  of  George  C.  and  Mary  C.  (Bausch)  Hosbach. 

George  C.  Hosbach,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Forest  County,  Pa.  He 
settled  in  Erie  County  over  50  years  ago  and  engaged  in  general  farming 
in  McKean  Township  until  1912,  at  which  time  he  removed  to  Erie.  There 
he  became  interested  in  the  contracting  and  building  business  until  his 
death,  April  14,  1925.  He  is  buried  in  Erie  Cemetery.  His  wife,  a  native 
of  McKean  Township,  lives  with  her  son  at  720  West  23rd  Street,  Erie. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hosbach  two  children  were  born:  Bertha  F.,  born  Aug. 
19,  1882,  married  Willis  W.  Williams;  and  Franklin  B.,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch. 

Franklin  B.  Hosbach  spent  his  boyhood  on  his  father's  farm  and 
after  his  graduation  from  West  Mill  Creek  High  School  he  studied  law  at 
Valparaiso  University.  He  has  practiced  law  since  1915  and  has  oflRces 
in  the  Masonic  Building. 

On  July  7,  1917,  Mr.  Hosbach  was  married  to  Miss  Mildred  E.  Chif- 
man,  a  native  of  Kankakee  County,  111.,  and  a  daughter  of  A.  B.  and  Laura 
(Kelsey)  Chifman,  residents  of  Crown  Point,  Ind.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hosbach 
have  no  children. 

Mr.  Hosbach  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  church,  and 
is  identified  with  the  Masonic  Lodge,  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows, 
Elks,  Moose,  Knights  of  Malta,  Knights  of  Pythias,  Erie  Maennerchor, 
and  the  Erie  County  Bar  Association.  He  is  capable  in  his  profession  and 
is  a  citizen  of  high  ideals. 


FRANKLIN  B.   HOSBACH 


History  of  Erie  County  801 

William  Irwin  Arbuckle  is  a  well  known  and  substantial  business  man 
of  Erie  and  a  member  of  one  of  the  county's  leading  pioneer  families.  He 
was  born  in  Mill  Creek  Township,  May  26,  1871,  and  is  a  son  of  Richard 
H.  and  Julia  Antoinette  (Burton)  Arbuckle. 

Richard  H.  Arbuckle  was  born  in  Erie  in  1835,  a  son  of  William 
Arbuckle,  who  was  the  son  of  Adam  Arbuckle.  William  Arbuckle  became 
a  prominent  politician  of  his  time  and  served  as  a  member  of  the  school 
board  for  25  years.  He  was  a  member  of  the  city  council  during  the  rail- 
road war.  He  was  a  carpenter  by  trade  and  among  the  many  contracting 
jobs  was  that  of  the  Erie  County  farm  buildings.  He  died  at  the  age 
of  91  years  and  is  buried  in  Erie  cemetery.  His  son,  Richard  H.,  the 
father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  now  lives  retired  with  his  wife  at  941 
East  21st  Street.  He  has  been  a  prominent  Democrat  for  many  years 
and  was  the  first  commissioner  of  his  party  to  be  elected  in  Erie  County. 
He  also  served  as  customs  collector  under  President  Grover  Cleveland's 
administration.  Mr.  Arbuckle  helped  to  organize  the  Erie  County  Milk 
Association  and  served  as  president  for  a  number  of  years.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Arbuckle,  who  have  celebrated  their  66th  wedding  anniversary,  are 
the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Janette,  married  John  C.  Wolf, 
lives  in  Erie ;  John  Burton,  lives  in  Erie ;  Laura,  died  in  infancy ;  Charlotte, 
died  in  1915;  William  Irwin,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Richard  C, 
general  agent  for  the  Federal  Bond  &  Mortgage  Company  of  Detroit,  lives 
in  Erie. 

William  Irwin  Arbuckle  was  educated  in  the  district  schools  of  JMill 
Creek  Township,  and  also  attended  Erie  Academy.  At  an  early  age  he 
became  interested  in  the  mercantile  business  and  was  employed  by  a  local 
wholesale  house  for  ten  years,  and  later  he  was  with  another  wholesale 
house  for  five  years.  In  1903  he  engaged  in  his  present  business  on  Peach 
Street.  In  1923  he  removed  to  his  present  location  at  144  West  13th 
Street.  Mr.  Arbuckle  deals  in  household  goods  and  furnishings  and  has 
an  extensive  wholesale  trade  throughout  northwestern  Pennsylvania,  east- 
ern Ohio,  and  western  New  York. 

On  Sept.  28,  1893,  Mr.  Arbuckle  was  married  to  Miss  Leonora  Clemens, 
the  daughter  of  Fred  and  Eva  (Barnard)  Clemens.  Mr.  Clemens  lives 
retired  in  Erie.  His  wife  is  deceased.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arbuckle  the 
following  children  have  been  born:  William  Humphrey,  vice-president 
and  general  manager  of  his  father's  business,  married  Esther  Cardot,  and 
they  have  one  son,  William  Irwin ;  Priscilla,  a  graduate  of  Ward-Belmont 

(51) 


802  History  of  Erie  County 

school,  married  Paul  N.  Berner,  lives  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  he  repre- 
sents the  Federal  Bond  &  Mortgage  Company  of  Detroit;  and  Antoinette 
Burton,  a  student  at  Smith  College. 

Mr.  Arbuckle  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  in  politics  and 
he  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Chamber  of 
Commerce  and  is  one  of  the  progressive  and  enterprising  citizens  of 
the  city. 

W.  B.  Pohle  is  a  progressive  and  enterprising  merchant  of  Erie.  He 
was  born  at  St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  Oct.  13,  1900,  and  is  the  son  of  Christopher 
J.  and  Mary  H.  (Eraser)  Pohle. 

Christopher  J.  Pohle  was  born  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  in  1860.  Eor  many 
years  he  was  interested  in  the  sugar  refining  business  in  Ontario,  Canada, 
and  later  in  Buffalo.  After  retiring  from  that  business  he  engaged  in  the^ 
grocery  business  at  St.  Joseph  Mo.,  where  he  remained  20  years.  In  1906 
he  removed  his  family  to  Erie  where  he  conducted  a  grocery  store  at  1921 
Myrtle  Street  until  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1923.  His  wife,  who  was 
born  in  Canada,  resides  at  Erie.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pohle  had  two  children: 
W.  D.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Mrs.  Mary  Lyle,  who  lives  in  Erie. 

After  completing  his  schooling,  W.  B.  Pohle  engaged  in  the  grocery 
business  with  his  father.  He  now  owns  and  operates  the  business  estab- 
lished by  his  father  and  has  an  extensive  trade. 

Mr.  Pohle  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Simp- 
son Church,  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge.     He  is  unmarried. 

Louis  Phillips,  president  of  American  State  Bank,  is  one  of  Erie's 
enterprising  and  successful  business  men.  He  was  born  in  Italy,  June  18, 
1865,  and  is  a  son  of  Gesualdo  and  Philomena  (Guisti)  Phillips. 

Gesualdo  Phillips  was  born  in  Italy  in  1826  and  died  there  in  1911. 
His  wife  was  born  in  1844  and  died  in  1903.  They  were  the  parents  of 
the  following  children:  Louis,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Alameno,  de- 
ceased; Fulvia,  deceased;  Fortunato,  lives  in  Cleveland;  Fuldio,  deceased; 
Crolinda,  lives  in  Erie  and  three  children  died  in  infancy. 

Louis  Phillips  was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  land  and  came 
to  this  country  in  1890.  He  worked  at  his  trade  of  carpenter  for  four 
years  and  then  opened  a  small  fruit  stand  on  West  12th  Street.  In  1895 
he  established  an  office  on  West  16th  Street,  where  he  dealt  in  the  remit- 
tance of  steamship  and  foreign  money  orders.  He  also  maintained  a 
fruit  store  and  became  one  of  the  leading  wholesale  fruit  dealers  of  the 


History  of  Erie  County  803 

city.  The  business  which  is  now  owned  by  his  son  is  located  at  16th  and 
State  streets. 

The  bank  was  organized  by  Mr.  Philhps  as  a  private  bank  in  1921, 
and  on  March  10,  1924,  was  incorporated  as  American  State  Bank.  The 
officers  are  as  follows:  Louis  Phillips,  president;  Angelo  Phillips,  vice- 
president;  Jennie  Phillips,  cashier;  and  Joseph  Phillips,  secretary.  The 
directors  are:  Louis,  Joseph,  Angelo,  Mary  and  Elizabeth  Phillips. 

On  Jan.  13,  1894,  Mr.  Phillips  was  married  to  Miss  Eliza  Casciani,  a 
native  of  Italy,  born  Aug.  28,  1867.  To  this  union  the  following  children 
were  born:  John,  a  general  contractor,  lives  at  Erie,  married  Nardina 
Petrucella,  and  they  have  two  children,  Elizabeth  and  Mary;  Mary,  at 
home;  Joseph,  engaged  in  the  fruit  business  at  Erie;  Jennie,  cashier  in 
her  father's  bank;  Angelo,  general  manager  and  part  owner  of  the  fruit 
business,  married  Ameha  Bevilacqua,  and  they  have  one  son,  Robert; 
Gemma,  Marreno,  and  Albert,  all  students,  and  three  children  died  in 
infancy. 

Mr.  Phillips  is  a  Republican  and  has  been  a  member  of  St.  Paul's 
Catholic  Church  since  1892.  He  belongs  to  the  Sons  of  Italy  and  the 
Italian  National  Club.  Mr.  Phillips  is  an  energetic  man  who  stands  well 
in  the  esteem  of  his  neighbors  and  fellow  citizens. 

William  T,  McFayden,  prominent  druggist  of  Erie,  is  among  the  en- 
terprising and  successful  business  men  of  the  county.  He  was  born  at 
Waterford,  Pa.,  Oct.  23,  1857,  and  is  the  son  of  Alexander  and  Emmeline 
(Woodford)  McFayden. 

Alexander  McFayden  came  to  this  country  from  Scotland  with  his 
parents  in  1832.  He  was  the  son  of  Neil  McFayden  who  became  a  pros- 
perous farmer.  Alexander  McFayden  was  engaged  in  farming  on  the 
home  place.  He  died  in  1888  at  the  age  of  71  years  and  his  wife,  who 
was  born  in  Connecticut,  died  at  the  age  of  54  years.  Her  parents  settled 
in  Erie  County  in  1814.  Her  grand-father,  Capt.  Case,  served  during  the 
Revolution  and  her  father,  Rufus  Woodford,  fought  in  the  War  of  1812. 
To  Alexander  and  Emmeline  (Woodford)  McFayden  the  following  children 
were  born:  Mrs.  Isabel  Thomas,  lives  on  the  old  homestead;  William  T., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Alexander,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  else- 
where in  this  history;  Elizabeth,  married  Leon  Sherwood,  lives  in  Water- 
ford  Township;  Finley,  lives  retired  in  Erie;  and  John. 

William  T.  McFayden  received  his  education  in  the  district  school  at 
Sharp's  Corner  and  later  attended  Waterford  Academy  and  Edinboro  Nor- 


804  History  of  Erie  County 

mal  School.  In  early  life  he  engaged  in  farming  and  at  the  age  of  27 
years  came  to  Erie  where  he  engaged  in  the  drug  business.  In  1912  he 
moved  to  his  present  location  at  461  West  8th  Street.  Mr.  McFayden  is 
one  of  the  leading  pharmacists  of  the  city  and  has  an  attractive  place  of 
business.    His  residence  is  located  at  1314  West  9th  Street. 

On  Feb.  18,  1893,  Mr.  McFayden  was  married  to  Miss  Mabel  Phillip, 
of  Toronto,  Canada,  the  daughter  of  Samuel  P.  Phillip.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
McFayden  have  one  daughter,  Mrs.  Reva  Baptist.     She  resides  in  Erie. 

Mr.  McFayden  is  a  member  of  the  Elks  lodge.  He  and  his  family 
are  widely  known  throughout  the  county  and  have  many  friends.  Mrs. 
McFayden  is  a  member  of  Kingsley  Methodist  Church. 

Henry  M.  Keppel,  deceased,  was  one  of  the  best  known  and  most  suc- 
cessful business  men  of  Erie  County.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  and 
at  the  time  of  his  death  president  of  the  National  Bank  of  Corry.  Mr. 
Keppel  was  born  in  Herschbarre,  Germany,  Nov.  13,  1837,  the  son  of  Charles 
and  Fredricka  (Vogel)  Keppel. 

Charles  Keppel  emigrated  to  this  country  with  his  family  in  1853 
and  settled  near  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  he  operated  a  farm  and  also  was 
employed  by  the  United  States  government  in  the  postal  service.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Keppel,  deceased,  are  buried  in  Cattaraugus  County,  N.  Y.  They 
had  six  children,  as  follows :  Henry  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch ;  Charles, 
lives  at  Fair  Plains,  N.  Y. ;  Ernest,  lives  at  Corry ;  John,  deceased ;  Mary, 
married  Joe  Herdick,  lives  at  Gowanda,  N.  Y. ;  and  Elizabeth,  married 
Charles  Rider,  lives  at  South  Dayton,  N.  Y. 

Henry  M.  Keppel  was  educated  in  Germany  and  was  16  years  of  age 
when  his  parents  came  to  this  country.  Soon  after  locating  in  Buffalo 
he  learned  the  blacksmith's  trade,  serving  an  apprenticeship  of  three 
years.  Then  taking  a  partner  he  conducted  a  shop  in  that  city  for  five 
years,  after  which  he  had  a  shop  in  Titusville,  Pa.  He  was  also  inter- 
ested in  oil  refineries.  Turning  his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits  in 
1867,  Mr.  Keppel  purchased  a  tract  of  land  in  Columbus  Township,  Warren 
County,  and  there  took  up  his  residence.  While  clearing  the  land  he  be- 
came interested  in  the  manufacture  of  lumber  and  soon  had  a  saw  mill 
in  full  operation,  being  very  successful  in  his  new  industry.  In  1893  with 
J.  B.  Moore  he  purchased  pine  lands  in  northern  Wisconsin,  erecting  a 
large  mill,  which  they  operated  until  1903.  In  1898  they  became  owners 
of  heavily  timbered  land  in  Randolph  County,  W,  Va.,  and  subsequently 


lC,e..px/i^   /"l^^^x^^z^ 


History  of  Erie  County  805 

having  added  to  their  original  tract  by  purchase  of  more  timber,  they  put 
in  a  double  band  saw  mill  with  a  capacity  of  100,000  feet  a  day,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  build  up  a  town  and  establish  a  business.  They  built  a  spur 
railway  track  extending  into  their  land  15  miles,  erected  33  homes,  and 
had  granted  to  the  new  colony  a  postofRce,  which  was  called  Ellamore. 
Mr.  Keppel  removed  with  his  family  to  Corry  in  1898  where  he  became 
identified  with  the  leading  industries  of  the  place.  He  was  one  of  the 
organizers  of  the  Corry  Metal  Products  Company  and  was  president  for 
some  time.  He  was  connected  with  many  other  important  industrial  con- 
cerns of  the  city  of  Corry  and  did  a  great  deal  to  promote  commercial 
enterprises  here.  He  was  also  a  director  of  the  Corry  Electric  Light 
Company  for  many  years.  Mr.  Keppel  died  Nov.  11,  1924,  and  is  buried  in 
Pine  Grove  Cemetery,  Corry. 

In  1893  Mr.  Keppel  was  married  to  Miss  Martha  C.  Miller,  a  native 
of  Webster,  N.  Y.,  and  a  daughter  of  John  F.  and  Laura  (Aistrich)  Miller, 
natives  of  Germany,  now  deceased.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Keppel  two  children 
were  born:     Henry  Harrison  and  Marie,  mention  of  whom  is  made  below. 

H.  Harrison  Keppel  was  born  at  Torpedo,  Pa.,  Oct.  5,  1893,  and  was 
educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Corry  and  Chamberlain  Military  Insti- 
tute, Randolph,  N.  Y.  He  is  vice  president  of  the  National  Bank  of  Corry 
and  treasurer  of  the  Corry  Jamestown  Manufacturing  Corporation.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  Blue  Lodge  Masons,  Corry;  Columbus  Chapter,  Corry; 
Commandery  K.  T.,  Corry;  Shrine,  Zeni  Zem,  Erie;  Erie  Consistory;  and 
the  Elks  Lodge,  Corry,  of  which  he  is  Past  Exalted  Ruler.  Mr.  Keppel 
was  married  to  Miss  Edna  Moore,  of  Ridgeway,  Pa.,  and  they  have  two 
children,  Henry  Martin  and  Barbara  Anna. 

Marie  Keppel  Hawkins  was  born  at  Torpedo,  Pa.,  June  9,  1895.  After 
her  graduation  from  the  Corry  High  School  in  1915  she  was  graduated 
from  LaSalle  Seminary,  Auburndale,  Mass.  She  was  married  to  Edward 
E.  Hawkins  of  Corry  and  they  have  a  daughter,  Martha  Marie,  born 
April  6,  1919.  Mr.  Hawkins  is  the  son  of  William  Henry  and  Nancy 
(Rutley)  Hawkins,  both  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  Henry  Hawkins 
had  five  children:  Edward  E.,  William  Henry,  Elizabeth,  who  married 
Guy  Rogers;  Earl,  deceased;  and  Nellie,  deceased.  Edward  E.  Hawkins 
was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Chicago  and  Corry  and  is  a  graduate 
of  Carnegie  Institute  of  Technology,  Pittsburgh. 

Mr.  Keppel  was  a  staunch  Republican  and  in  1908  was  alternate  dele- 
gate to  the  Republican  National  Convention  at  Chicago.    Both  he  and  his 


806  History  of  Erie  County 

wife  were  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church  at  Corry  and  through  their 
efforts  one  of  the  finest  churches  in  the  city  was  erected  several  years 
ago.  Mrs.  Keppel  is  still  an  ardent  worker  in  the  church.  He  was  an 
energetic  man  who  stood  well  in  the  esteem  of  his  many  friends  and 
acquaintances. 

F.  J.  Brandt  is  a  substantial  citizen  and  enterprising  merchant  of 
Erie.  He  was  born  there  Oct.  27,  1887,  and  is  the  son  of  Julius  and  Anna 
(Persick)  Brandt. 

Julius  Brandt  was  a  native  of  Germany.  When  a  young  man  he  came 
to  this  country  and  located  on  a  farm  just  outside  Erie,  where  he  died  in 
1901.  His  wife  died  the  same  year  and  they  are  buried  in  Lakeside  ceme- 
tery.   Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brandt  had  ten  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living. 

After  attending  the  public  schools  of  Erie,  F.  J.  Brandt  learned  the 
stone  cutter's  trade  and  later  became  a  boilermaker.  In  1910  he  engaged 
in  his  present  business  as  grocer.  Four  years  later  he  purchased  a  half 
interest  in  the  business  and  finally  became  sole  owner.  Mr.  Brandt's 
business  is  located  at  1358  Buffalo  Road,  and  is  among  the  up  to  date 
grocery  stores  of  the  community.  Delivery  service  by  truck  is  main- 
tained. 

On  Sept.  1,  1911,  Mr.  Brandt  was  married  to  Miss  Alma  Delilah  Fuhr- 
mann,  of  Erie  County,  the  daughter  of  Charles  and  Catherine  (Serr) 
Fuhrmann.  Mr.  Fuhrmann  died  Sept.  28,  1924,  and  is  buried  in  Erie 
cemetery.  His  wife  resides  on  the  old  homestead.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Brandt  have  been  born  two  children:  Vernon  Frederick,  born  Aug.  10, 
1912  and  Russell  Fuhrmann,  born  April  2,  1914. 

Politically  Mr.  Brandt  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Uni- 
tarian church  and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He 
is  known  in  his  community  as  an  upright  and  reliable  citizen. 

William  F.  Weber,  retired,  ranks  among  the  prominent  and  substan- 
tial citizens  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in  Erie  County,  May  15,  1857,  and 
is  a  son  of  Francis  Anton  and  Mary  (Spath)  Weber. 

Francis  Anton  Weber  was  a  native  of  Germany  and  came  to  this 
country  when  he  was  20  years  of  age.  He  was  married  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y., 
and  was  for  a  number  of  years  engaged  at  the  blacksmith  trade  until  his 
health  failed.  He  then  owned  a  grocery  business  until  the  time  of  his 
death  in  1864.     He  was  buried  on  the  present  site  of  St.  Vincent's  Hos- 


History  of  Erie  County  807 

pital  and  the  body  was  later  removed  to  Trinity  cemetery,  Erie.  Mr. 
Weber's  wife  who  was  also  a  native  of  Germany,  is  deceased.  They  were 
the  parents  of  a  large  family  and  the  following  children  grew  to  maturity : 
Francis  A.,  deceased;  F.  J.,  deceased;  Henry  C,  deceased;  Mrs.  Adolph 
Brooker,  deceased;  Elizabeth,  deceased;  Mary  Ann,  married  Charles  Beck, 
lives  in  Erie;  William  F.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  A.  S.,  a  carpenter 
contractor,  lives  in  Erie. 

William  F.  Weber  grew  up  in  Erie  and  after  receiving  his  education 
was  employed  by  his  brother,  F.  J.,  who  was  a  well  known  photographer 
of  Erie.  When  he  was  21  years  old  Mr.  Weber  purchased  his  brother's 
interest  in  the  business,  which  is  located  at  351  East  9th  Street,  and  now 
conducted  by  his  son,  H.  J.  Weber.  Mr.  Weber  has  been  considered  the 
leading  photographer  of  the  city  for  many  years  and  is  an  artist  in  his 
work.    He  also  has  an  interest  in  the  Erie  Picture  and  Framing  Company. 

On  April  29,  1878,  Mr.  Weber  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Helen 
Rectenwald,  of  Erie,  and  to  this  union  11  children  were  born,  as  follows: 
Minnie  Mayer,  lives  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y. ;  Rudolph,  deceased ;  Alice,  deceased ; 
Clarence,  engaged  in  plastic  art  work  at  20  East  18th  Street,  Erie;  Wil- 
bert,  lives  at  Wesleyville,  Pa. ;  H.  J.,  who  operates  the  studio ;  L.  J.,  a 
printer,  lives  in  Erie;  Leonora  Weiderle,  lives  in  Erie;  Rosemary,  at 
home;  Margaret,  deceased;  and  one  child  died  in  infancy. 

In  politics  Mr.  Weber  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He  is 
a  member  of  St.  Mary's  Catholic  Church,  and  is  vice-president  and  direc- 
tor of  the  Parade  Street  Market  House.  He  owns  a  property  at  1023  State 
Street  and  his  residence  is  at  355  East  9th  Street  and  the  photograph 
studio  adjoining  the  residence.    He  is  a  reliable  citizen  of  the  community. 

Otto  Schmidt,  deceased,  was  a  well  known  merchant  of  Erie  for  many 
years.  He  was  born  in  Germany  and  came  to  this  country  at  the  age  of 
80  years. 

In  1888  Mr.  Schmidt  engaged  in  the  bakery  business  at  8th  and 
Parade  streets,  which  has  developed  into  one  of  the  largest  genei-al 
bakeries  in  the  city.    He  died  in  1906  and  is  buried  in  Trinity  cemetery. 

In  1885  Mr.  Schmidt  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Mentz,  a  native 
of  Erie,  born  Dec.  19,  1867,  and  the  daughter  of  Louis  and  Christina 
(Guild)  Mentz. 

Louis  Mentz  came  to  this  country  from  Germany  when  he  was  a  young 
man.  He  was  a  pattern  maker  by  trade  and  was  one  of  the  oldest  em- 
ployees of  the  Jarecki  Manufacturing  Company.     He  died  at  the  age  of 


808  History  of  Erie  County 

70  years,  and  his  wife  is  also  deceased.  They  were  the  parents  of  the 
following  children:  Elizabeth,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Adolph,  lives 
in  Cleveland;  William,  lives  in  Cleveland;  and  Mrs.  Ida  Ohmer,  lives  at 
1152  Brown  Avenue,  Erie.  Her  son,  Louis  Ohmer,  is  employed  by  Mrs. 
Schmidt  as  head  baker.  It  was  largely  through  his  knowledge  and  inter- 
est in  the  business  that  Mrs.  Schmidt  was  able  to  carry  on  the  business 
after  her  husband's  death.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schmidt  two  children  were 
born.  Otto  and  Helen,  both  of  whom  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Schmidt  was  a  Republican  and  a  member  of  St.  Mary's  Catholic 
Church.  He  was  a  progressive  citizen  who  merited  the  esteem  in  which 
he  was  held  by  his  fellow  citizens. 

Arthur  Warren  Mitchell.  Among  the  men  of  Erie  who  have  taken 
leading  positions  in  the  legal  profession  of  Pennsylvania  is  Arthur  War- 
ren Mitchell.  He  was  born  at  Bradford,  Pa.,  Dec.  2,  1878,  and  is  the 
son  of  George  Warren  and  Stella  (Southwick)  Mitchell. 

The  Mitchell  family  came  from  Londonderry,  Ireland,  in  1735  and 
were  of  English  and  Scotch  descent.  They  settled  in  Vermont  and  later 
came  to  the  Western  Reserve  in  1810.  They  drove  west  by  ox  team  as 
far  as  Lorain,  Ohio,  but  returned  as  far  east  as  Westfield,  N.  Y.,  and 
settled  in  Chautauqua  County  at  Busti,  where  George  Warren  Mitchell 
was  born.  He  is  a  highly  esteemed  member  of  his  community  and  at  one 
time  was  prominent  in  politics,  having  served  as  sheriff,  registrer  and 
recorder  prothonotary  and  clerk  of  courts  of  McKean  County,  Pa. 

The  Southwick  family  emigrated  to  America  in  1635  and  settled  in 
Massachusetts.  Lawrence  and  Cassandra  Southwick  were  the  founders 
of  the  family  from  England  and  Arthur  Warren,  subject  of  this  sketch,  is 
the  eleventh  generation  in  this  country.  This  family  also  migrated  to 
New  York  and  settled  in  Cattaraugus  County. 

Harmon  G.  Mitchell,  grandfather  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  a 
leading  citizen  of  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.,  and  held  public  offices,  in- 
cluding that  of  side  judge. 

Arthur  Warren  Mitchell  lived  at  Bradford,  Pa.,  until  he  reached  the 
age  of  15  years,  when  his  family  removed  to  Smethport,  Pa.  He  attended 
DeVeaux  School,  Niagara  Falls,  N.  Y.,  Pennsylvania  State  College,  and 
Dickinson  Law  School,  Carlisle,  Pa.,  and  was  graduated  from  the  latter 
institution  in  1901  with  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
in  1901,  and  until  1907  was  associated  with  the  legal  department  of  the 


ARTHUR  WARREN  MITCHELL. 


History  of  Erie  County  809 

Standard  Oil  Company  in  West  Virginia.  Since  1908  he  has  been  success- 
fully engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  in  Erie  with  offices  in  the  Marine 
Bank  Building.  Mr.  Mitchell  served  in  the  General  Assembly  of  Pennsyl- 
vania during  the  session  of  1913  from  the  West  Side  District.  Mr. 
Mitchell  has  served  as  president  of  the  Erie  County  Bar  Association.  He 
has  given  special  attention  to  corporation  and  orphan's  court  practice. 
He  is  also  interested  in  a  number  of  industrial  enterprises  in  Erie  and  has 
taken  an  active  part  in  their  formation.  In  1921  he  was  elected  delegate 
to  the  constitutional  convention.  He  is  a  director  of  the  Marine  National 
Bank  of  Erie,  a  director  of  the  Community  Savings  &  Loan  Company,  a 
member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Pennsylvania  State  College,  and 
treasurer  of  the  Erie  Bolt  &  Nut  Company,  of  which  he  was  an  organizer. 

Mr.  Mitchell  was  married  first  to  Miss  Helen  Forrest  of  Smethport, 
Pa.  She  died  Feb.  19,  1918,  leaving  two  sons:  John  Forrest,  born  March 
2,  1905,  a  student  at  Yale  University;  and  George  Warren,  born  Oct.  15, 
1912.  Mr.  Mitchell  was  married  June  17,  1921,  to  Miss  Josephine  English, 
a  sister  of  C.  H.  English,  of  Erie,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  in  this 
work. 

Mr.  Mitchell  is  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Church  and  is  a 
member  of  the  Chapter  or  Vestry,  and  is  a  member  of  Masonic  Lodge, 
Scottish  Rite  and  Shrine,  and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 

Cordello  Herrick  is  a  well  known  business  man  and  leading  citizen  of 
Erie,  where  he  represents  the  New  York  Life  Insurance .  Company  as 
agency  director  of  the  Erie  branch  office.  He  was  born  in  Toddsville. 
N.  Y.,  May  4,  1866,  and  is  a  son  of  William  Henry  and  Ada  (Flansburg) 
Herrick. 

William  Henry  Herrick,  retired,  is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War.  He 
was  born  in  Otsego  County,  N.  Y.,  in  1845.  His  wife  died  in  1882.  They 
were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Cordello,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch;  Ida,  died  in  infancy;  George,  died  at  the  age  of  eight  years; 
William,  died  at  the  age  of  16  years;  Arthur,  died  at  the  age  of  28  years; 
Frank  C,  lives  at  Mendon,  N.  Y. ;  Fred,  lives  at  Syracuse,  N.  Y. ;  Rev.  A. 
E.,  lives  at  Emporium,  Pa. ;  and  Asa,  lives  at  Rochester,  N.  Y. 

When  Cordello  Herrick  was  two  years  of  age  his  parents  removed  to 
Auburn,  N.  Y.,  where  he  was  reared  and  educated.  He  learned  the  ma- 
chinist's trade  but  after  several  years  he  began  the  study  of  theology. 


810 ,  History  of  Erie  County 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Conference  for  23  years,  14 
years  of  which  were  spent  as  chaplain  of  the  State  prison  at  Auburn, 
N.  Y.  In  May,  1911,  Mr.  Herrick  resigned  and  immediately  came  to  Erie, 
where  he  took  the  position  of  agency  director  of  the  Erie  branch  office 
of  the  New  York  Life  Insurance  Company.  He  has  been  most  successful 
in  his  undertaking  and  employs  a  force  of  53  people.  Mr.  Herrick's  terri- 
tory covers  ten  of  the  northwestern  counties  of  Pennsylvania.  His  offices 
are  located  at  415-16-17  Commerce  Building. 

In  1886  Mr.  Herrick  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Emily  E.  Tay- 
lor, of  Newark,  N.  Y.,  and  to  this  union  two  children  were  born:  Mrs. 
Herbert  E.  Yury,  a  graduate  of  Syracuse  University,  lives  at  Tampa, 
Florida,  and  has  two  children,  Virginia  E.,  and  Lester;  and  Frank  C,  a 
graduate  of  Wyoming  Seminary,  married  Helen  Stephens  of  Nicholson, 
Pa.,  and  they  have  one  child,  Martha. 

On  Aug.  19,  1913,  Mr.  Herrick  was  married  to  Miss  Grace  E.  Copp, 
of  Auburn,  N.  Y. 

In  politics  Mr.  Herrick  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  First  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  belongs  to 
the  Perry  Masonic  lodge,  the  Consistory  and  Zem  Zem  Shrine.  He  is  a 
Past  Noble  Grand  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  During  the 
World  War  he  took  an  active  interest  and  served  as  chairman  of  Local 
Draft  Board  No.  1.  Mr.  Herrick  is  an  energetic  and  capable  business  man 
and  an  excellent  citizen  of  Erie. 

M.  B.  Collins,  a  prominent  citizen  of  Erie,  who  is  president  of  the 
United  States  Laundry  Company,  is  a  native  of  New  York.  He  was  born 
at  Buffalo,  June  7,  1876,  and  is  a  son  of  Patrick  and  Ellen  (Riley)  Collins. 

Patrick  Collins  was  born  in  Ireland  in  1829  and  came  to  this  country 
in  1864,  locating  in  Buffalo,  where  he  engaged  in  the  contracting  business. 
He  died  in  1894  and  his  wife,  who  was  born  in  Ireland  in  1834,  died  in 
1890.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Collins  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children: 
Lillian,  deceased;  Mrs.  Mary  Turnbull,  lives  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.;  M.  B.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Mrs.  Katherine  Shea,  lives  in  Buffalo. 

M.  B.  Collins  grew  up  in  Buffalo  and  attended  the  schools  there.  At 
the  age  of  16  years  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  General  Hospital  at 
Buffalo,  where  he  remained  ten  years.  He  then  was  connected  with  the 
Genessee  Hotel  there  as  a  stationary  enginer,  and  after  four  years  was 
appointed  superintendent  of  the  laundry  department.     Later  he  came  to 


History  of  Erie  County  811 

Erie  where  he  installed  the  laundry  in  the  Reed  House  for  J.  S.  Rowe,  at 
that  time  manager  of  the  hotel.  Mr.  Collins  then  became  associated  with 
the  American  Laundry  Company  of  Erie,  and  after  three  years  went  to 
Sharon,  Pa.  In  January,  1908,  he  returned  to  Erie,  and  organized  the 
United  States  Laundry  Company,  with  the  following  officers:  M.  B. 
Colhns,  president;  D.  J.  Tollan,  vice-president;  W.  J.  Patterson,  secretary; 
and  J.  F.  Zink,  treasurer.  E.  J.  Shey  later  purchased  Mr.  Tollan's  interest 
in  the  business,  becoming  manager  and  treasurer,  and  J.  F.  Simon  pur- 
chased Mr.  Patterson's  interest.  Messrs.  Shey  and  Collins  are  now  owners 
of  the  laundry  business,  which  is  among  the  leading  business  enterprises 
of  Erie. 

In  1903  Mr.  Collins  was  married  to  Miss  Mayme  Wild,  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
They  have  no  children. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Collins  are  members  of  St.  Patrick's  Catholic  Church 
and  stand  high  in  the  community. 

W.  H.  Eckerd,  proprietor  of  the  Eckerd  Drug  Stores,  Inc.,  is  among 
the  prominent  and  successful  young  business  men  of  this  section.  He 
was  born  at  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  Dec.  22,  1893,  and  is  the  son  of  J.  M.  and 
Ida  K.  (Kennedy)  Eckerd. 

J.  M.  Eckerd,  retired,  was  born  at  Mechanicsburg,  Pa.,  in  1870.  For 
a  number  of  years  he  was  interested  in  the  mercantile  business  and  later 
became  prominent  in  the  drug  business.  In  1898  he  opened  his  first  drug 
store  at  1105  State  Street,  which  he  operated  for  21  years.  In  1916 
Mr.  Eckerd  sold  his  local  interests  to  his  sons,  and  removed  to  Wilming- 
ton, Del.,  where  he  established  another  chain  store.  Although  living 
retired,  Mr.  Eckerd  still  owns  drug  stores  at  Wilmington,  Del.,  Jamestown, 
N.  Y.,  Charlotte,  N.  C,  and  Asheville,  N.  C.  He  lives  in  Philadelphia. 
His  wife  died  at  the  age  of  35  years  at  Mechanicsburg,  Pa.,  and  in  1924 
her  remains  were  removed  to  Philadelphia.  There  were  four  children  in 
the  Eckerd  family  as  follows:  K.  M.,  who  is  engaged  in  business  with 
his  brother;  Mrs.  Hazel  R.  Hill,  hves  at  Wilmington,  Del.;  W.  H.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Sarah  E.,  a  twin  sister  of  W.  H.,  lives  at 
Charlotte,  N.  C. 

W.  H.  Eckerd  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Erie,  and  was 
also  a  student  at  the  University  of  Philadelphia.  Since  1916  he  and  his 
brother  have  engaged  in  the  drug  business  at  Erie  and  now  own  stores 
at  1105  State  Street,  and  710  State  Street.     During  the  past  four  years 


812  History  of  Erie  County 

they  have  established  branch  stores  at  Oil  City,  Pa.,  Zanesville,  Ohio, 
and  New  Castle,  Pa. 

Mr.  Eckerd  was  married  to  Miss  Biana  E.  Edkin,  of  Erie,  a  daughter 
of  Bert  C.  and  Anne  (Askin)  Edkin,  who  now  reside  in  Erie.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Eckerd  has  been  born  one  child,  Sally  Ann,  born  in  1921. 

Mr.  Eckerd  is  affiliated  with  the  Masonic  lodge,  and  is  a  member  of 
the  Shrine.    He  is  an  energetic  and  enterprising  citizen  and  widely  known. 

J.  A.  Zurn,  president  of  the  J.  A.  Zurn  Manufacturing  Company,  is 
among  Erie's  most  enterprising  and  successful  business  men.  He  was 
born  in  this  city,  Dec.  8,  1875,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Rose  Zurn,  both 
of  whom  are  deceased. 

John  Zurn  was  a  highly  esteemed  citizen  of  Erie,  where  he  engaged 
in  business  for  many  years  as  a  painting  contractor.  He  died  in  1908 
and  his  wife  died  in  1924. 

J.  A.  Zurn  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and 
when  a  young  man  was  associated  in  business  with  his  father.  He  served 
as  foreman  for  the  Erie  City  Iron  Works  for  10  years  and  in  1905  organ- 
ized the  J.  A.  Zurn  Manufacturing  Company,  leading  manufacturers  of 
plumber's  supplies.  The  business  was  founded  as  the  Advance  Manufac- 
turing Company  and  during  the  World  War  did  a  considerable  amount 
of  war  work  for  the  government,  and  were  cited  for  their  honesty  and 
efficiency.  Mr.  Zurn  also  has  other  extensive  business  interests  and  is 
president  and  principal  stockholder  of  the  Lake  Erie  Foundry  Company 
at  Gii'ard,  Pa.,  president  and  principal  stockholder  of  the  Keystone  Brass 
Works,  and  vice  president  of  the  Girard  (Pa.)  Model  Works. 

On  April  12,  1900,  Mr.  Zurn  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Clara 
Ackerman,  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Margaret  Ackerman, 
both  deceased.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Zurn  liave  been  born  three  children: 
Melvin  A.,  born  Jan.  10,  1901,  general  manager  of  the  J.  A.  Zurn  Manu- 
facturing Company,  is  a  graduate  of  Kent  Military  Institute;  Arloween 
M.,  born  July  17,  1905,  a  graduate  of  Erie  High  School,  now  a  student 
at  Oberlin  College;  and  Everett  F.,  born  March  31,  1908,  a  student  at 
Erie  High  School. 

Mr.  Zurn  was  elected  school  director  of  the  city  of  Erie  in  1923  for  a 
term  of  six  years.  He  is  a  director  of  Central  Bank  &  Trust  Company 
of  Erie,  director  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and  a  director  of  the  City  Mission. 
Mr.  Zurn  has  held  membership  in  the  Baptist  church  during  his  entire 


J.  A.   ZURN 


History  of  Erie  County  '  813 

life  and  is  an  active  church  worker.  He  has  been  organist  of  the  Central 
Baptist  Church  for  35  years  and  has  also  served  as  Sunday  School  super- 
intendent, and  deacon.  Mr.  Zurn  is  a  Republican  and  an  excellent  citizen 
of  Erie,  where  he  has  spent  his  entire  life. 

William  J.  Magay,  manufacturing  optician,  is  one  of  the  well  known 
and  successful  business  men  of  Erie.  He  was  born  at  Cambridge,  Mass., 
Oct.  28,  1882,  and  is  the  son  of  Andrew  B.  and  Rebecca  (Logan)  Magay. 

Andrew  B.  Magay  was  born  in  the  Province  of  Ulster,  Ireland,  in  1848. 
After  coming  to  this  country  he  located  at  Cambridge,  Mass.,  where  he 
worked  at  his  trade  as  a  furniture  upholsterer.  He  was  killed  in  a  street 
car  accident  in  1895,  and  his  wife,  who  was  born  in  1857,  resides  at 
Worcester,  Mass.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Magay  four  children  were  born  as  fol- 
lows: William  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  James,  an  optician,  resides 
at  Worcester,  Mass. ;  and  Robert  and  Alexander,  both  deceased. 

William  J.  Magay  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Cam- 
bridge, Mass.,  and  at  the  age  of  18  years  went  to  Boston,  where  he  was 
engaged  in  optical  work  for  six  years.  He  then  spent  five  years  in  Provi- 
dence, R.  I.,  and  in  1911  came  to  Erie.  Mr.  Magay  is  located  at  928  Peach 
Street,  and  operates  one  of  the  leading  optical  houses  in  the  city. 

On  May  20,  1908,  Mr.  Magay  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mabel 
H.  Dennen,  of  Cambridge,  Mass.,  the  daughter  of  Arthur  P.  and  Annie 
(Tucker)  Dennen,  residents  of  Watertown,  Mass.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Magay 
have  been  born  two  children,  Edith  Hammond,  born  in  1909,  and  Donald, 
born  in  1912. 

Mr.  Magay  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  First  Baptist  Church, 
and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  and  Elks  lodges.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the 
Consistory  and  Shrine. 

W.  S.  Myers,  owner  and  proprietor  of  the  Imperial  Laundry,  is  among 
the  leading  business  men  of  Erie.  He  was  born  at  Woodcock,  Pa.,  July 
17,  1868,  and  is  the  son  of  John  G.  and  Emmeline   (Kelley)   Myers. 

John  G.  Myers  was  born  in  Philadelphia.  He  engaged  in  dairy  farm- 
ing during  his  life  and  met  with  success.  He  died  in  November,  1896, 
at  the  age  of  71  years  and  is  buried  at  Warren,  Ohio.  His  wife  died  in 
May,  1910.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Eva  and 
Ida,  both  died  in  infancy;  Edgar  E.,  died  Dec.  3,  1923,  at  the  age  of  68 
years;  J.  D.,  engaged  in  the  laundry  business  at  Warren  Ohio;  F.  A., 


814  *  History  of  Erie  County 

lives  retired  at  St.  Petersburg,  Fla. ;  Lavina  Baker,  lives  at  Auroi-a,  111. ; 
Henrietta  Bodamer,  lives  at  Warren,  Ohio;  and  W.  S.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 

W.  S.  Myers  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Townville,  Pa. 
When  he  was  21  years  of  age  he  engaged  in  the  laundry  business  at 
Ashtabula,  Ohio,  with  his  brothers,  F.  A.  and  J.  D.  The  following  year 
he  went  to  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  and  from  there  removed  to  Erie  where  he 
entered  the  employ  of  the  Park  View  Laundry.  He  later  went  to  Warren, 
Ohio,  and  again  to  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  where  he  conducted  a  laundry  busi- 
ness four  years.  Mr.  Myers  spent  several  years  at  Olean,  N.  Y.,  and 
for  the  past  18  years  has  conducted  the  Imperial  Laundry  at  Erie,  which 
is  located  at  21st  and  State  Streets.  He  operates  three  trucks  and  em- 
ploys about  27  people  in  his  business.  The  Imperial  Laundry  renders 
high  class  service  at  reasonable  prices. 

On  May  20,  1896,  Mr.  Myers  was  married  to  Miss  Gertrude  Carpenter 
of  Erie,  the  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  W.  B.  Carpenter.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Myers  have  no  children. 

Mr.  Myers  is  a  Republican,  and  belongs  to  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

Miss  Florence  M.  Dawley,  who  is  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Perry 
Specialty  Company,  ranks  among  the  prominent  young  business  women 
of  Erie.  She  was  born  at  North  East,  Pa.,  Sept.  11,  1891,  and  is  the 
daughter  of  A.  J.  and  Susan  (Perry)  Dawley. 

A.  J.  Dawley  was  born  at  North  East  in  1867  and  now  resides  at  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  where  he  is  connected  with  the  Sewell  Oil  Company.  During 
his  early  life  in  North  East  he  engaged  in  the  livery  business.  His  wife 
is  a  native  of  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.,  born  in  1870.  She  is  a  grand 
niece  of  Oliver  Hazard  Perry.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dawley  four  children  were 
born  as  follows:  Florence  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Mrs.  John  Ban- 
nister, resides  in  Erie,  was  a  teacher  before  her  marriage;  Perry  A.,  a 
World  War  veteran,  lives  at  San  Jose,  Cal. ;  and  Marjorie  G.,  lives  in  Erie. 

Florence  M.  Dawley  received  her  education  at  North  East,  and  after 
leaving  school  commenced  her  business  career  with  the  Fisk  Rubber  Com- 
pany. She  was  later  connected  with  the  Miller  Rubber  Company,  and 
since  1923  has  served  as  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Perry  Specialty 
Company,  which  has  been  an  outgrowth  of  the  Miller  Rubber  Company. 

Politically  Miss  Dawley  is  a  Republican.  She  is  a  member  of  the 
Emmanuel  Presbyterian  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Zonta  Club  of  which 


History  of  Erie  County  815 

she  is  president,  having  been  elected  Jan.  2,  1925,  and  is  a  member  of  the 
Y.  W.  C.  A.  The  Dawley  family  is  well  known  and  highly  respected  in 
Erie  County. 

Charles  A.  Kimmel,  proprietor  of  one  of  Erie's  pioneer  business  houses, 
is  a  substantial  and  widely  known  business  man.  He  was  born  in  Michi- 
gan, Jan.  5,  1879,  and  is  the  son  of  J.  A.  and  Emma  (Hummel)  Kimmel. 

J.  A.  Kimmel,  retired,  was  born  at  Fairview,  Pa.,  in  1845.  For  a  num- 
ber of  years  he  followed  general  farming  and  stock  raising  in  Michigan, 
and  in  1886  came  to  Erie,  where  he  engaged  in  the  livery  business.  Sev- 
eral years  later  he  engaged  in  the  shoe  business  at  1625  Sassafras  Street, 
which  was  established  in  1871  by  his  father.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kimmel  have 
three  children:  Charles  A.,  the  subject  of  this  Sketch;  Luella  Mannig, 
lives  in  New  York  city;  and  Rollo,  lives  at  Ashland,  Ky. 

Charles  A.  Kimmel  received  his  education  in  the  Erie  schools,  and  when 
a  young  boy  was  employed  in  his  grandfather's  shoe  store,  and  later  by 
his  father.  Since  1900  he  has  had  charge  of  the  business,  which  has  be- 
come one  of  Erie's  leading  shoe  stores. 

On  April  26,  1906,  Mr.  Kimmel  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Carrie  Lytle,  the  daughter  of  Fleet  and  Laura  (Durst)  Lytle,  residents 
of  Erie.  Mr.  Durst,  retired,  was  employed  by  the  Pennsylvania  railroad 
for  many  years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kimmel  three  children  have  been  born : 
Elsworth  and  Edwin,  twins,  born  April  5,  1907,  and  Barbara,  born  in  1909. 

Mr.  Kimmel  and  his  family  hold  membership  in  the  Lutheran  Memor- 
ial Church,  and  the  Kimmel  family  has  always  been  representative  of 
the  best  citizenship  of  Erie  County. 

E.  H.  Suerken,  who  is  widely  known  in  Erie  as  an  enterprising  and 
successful  business  man,  was  born  here,  April  24,  1876,  and  is  a  son  of 
John  B.  and  Elizabeth  (Kolb)  Suerken. 

John  B.  Suerken  was  born  in  Germany  and  came  to  this  country  many 
years  ago.  He  was  a  well  known  merchant  of  Erie  where  he  was  en- 
gaged in  the  jewelry  business  for  25  years.  He  died  when  E.  H.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch,  was  but  nine  months  of  age.  His  wife  was  born 
in  Erie  and  died  in  1918  at  the  age  of  76  years.  They  were  the  parents  of 
six  children,  all  of  whom  are  deceased,  except  E.  H. 

E.  H.  Suerken  was  reared  and  educated  in  Erie  and  in  early  life  was 
a  prominent  musician.     For  several  years  he  owned  a  bicycle  shop  and 


816  History  of  Erie  County 

was  the  agent  for  the  Oldsmobile  gas  and  steam  automobiles,  at  13th  and 
State  streets,  and  later  engaged  in  the  theatrical  business,  building  some 
of  Erie's  earliest  amusement  centers.  In  1916  Mr.  Suerken  became  in- 
terested in  the  grain  business  and  is  now  one  of  the  leading  grain  brokers 
of  the  city  with  offices  at  619  Marine  Bank  Building. 

Mr.  Suerken  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Ruth  Crouch  of  Erie, 
the  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  0.  E.  Crouch.  Mr.  Crouch  is  deceased  and 
his  widow  resides  in  Erie.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Suerken  two  children  have 
been  born:  Maxwell,  born  in  1907,  and  Nancy,  born  in  1913. 

Mr.  Suerken  is  a  Republican,  attends  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge.  He  is  an  energetic  and  industrious 
man,  highly  esteemed  throughout  the  community. 

Robert  J.  Firman  was  born  in  the  Township  of  Harborcreek,  Erie 
County,  Pa.,  May  30,  1880,  and  is  the  son  of  James  and  Maria  (Glenn) 
Firman  who,  for  many  years,  were  prominent  and  respected  citizens  of 
Harborcreek  Township. 

His  early  education  was  gained  in  the  public  schools  of  Harborcreek 
Township,  afterwards  graduating  from  the  State  Normal  School  at  Edin- 
boro.  Pa.,  and  later  from  the  Law  Department  of  the  University  of  Michi- 
gan. After  gaduating  fom  the  Normal  School  he  taught  in  the  public 
schools  of  Harborcreek  Township  for  two  years.  Not  content  with  teach- 
ing as  a  vocation  he  determined  to  prepare  himself  for  the  law.  In  the  fall 
of  1903  he  entered  the  Law  School  of  the  University  of  Michigan,  and 
pursued  the  studies  of  his  chosen  vocation,  graduating  from  that  institu- 
tion in  June  of  1906.  In  June  of  1908  he  was  admitted  to  the  general 
practice  of  law  in  the  several  courts  of  Erie  County,  Pa.,  and  has  since 
been  admitted  to  the  several  appellate  courts  of  the  State  and  United 
States. 

In  December,  1906,  he  married  Mary  Camp  Allen  of  Harborcreek, 
only  child  of  W.  H.  and  Lovisa  (Elliott)  Allen,  and  to  the  issue  of  this 
marriage  are  two  children:  W.  Allen,  born  Oct.  28,  1910,  and  Robert  J., 
Jr.,  born  Oct.  30,  1912. 

In  politics  Mr.  Firman  is  a  Republican  and  as  a  Republican  has 
served  his  party  two  terms  as  its  chairman;  his  government  as  Deputy 
United  States  Marshal ;  his  county  as  district  attorney. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Harborcreek  of  which 
institution  he  is  a  member  of  the  board  of  trustees.    He  is  a  thirty-second 


ROBERT    J.    FIRMAN 


History  of  Erie  County  817 

degree  Mason,  and  a  member  and  officer  of  Zem  Zem  Temple ;  he  is 
also  a  member  of  the  Erie  Chamber  of  Commerce ;  Erie  Lodge  No.  67,  Order 
of  Elks;  Lake  Shore  Lodge  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  other  fraternal  organi- 
zations. Socially  he  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  Club,  the  Shriner's  Club, 
the  Erie  Yacht  Club,  the  Erie  Maennerchor,  and  the  North  East  Golf 
Club. 

He  is  an  able  and  successful  lawyer,  and  enjoys  a  varied  and  lucra- 
tive practice. 

Where  he  resides  at  the  Village  of  Harborcreek  he  has  extensive 
land  holdings,  large  acreages  of  which  are  now  under  cultivation  in  grapes ; 
the  land  itself  being  very  valuable  because  of  its  location  near  the  City  of 
Erie,  and  being  suitable  for  subdividing  in  building  sites. 

Mrs.  Katherine  W.  Bauman  is  a  substantial  and  highly  esteemed  citi- 
zen of  Erie.  She  is  a  native  of  Erie  County  and  the  daughter  of  Michael 
W.  and  Henrietta  (Able)  Willrich. 

Michael  W.  Willrich,  deceased,  was  a  member  of  a  prominent  pioneer 
family  of  Erie  County.  He  and  his  wife  are  now  deceased.  They  were 
the  parents  of  four  children:  Jacob,  Elizabeth,  Katherine,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch,  and  John,  all  residents  of  Erie. 

Katherine  W.  Willrich  was  reared  and  educated  in  Erie  and  was 
married  to  Louis  J.  Bauman,  also  a  native  of  Erie,  and  a  son  of  Gustave 
and  Magdalene  (Haas)   Bauman. 

Louis  J.  Bauman  owned  and  operated  the  first  rug  cleaning  plant  in 
Erie,  having  engaged  in  the  business  with  his  father.  Their  first  location 
was  at  644  East  5th  Street,  and  in  1898  he  removed  to  138  West  4th  Street, 
the  present  location.  Mr.  Bauman  installed  the  first  compressed  air  rug 
and  carpet  cleaner  in  Erie  and  successfully  conducted  the  business  until 
the  time  of  his  death,  Nov.  7,  1910.  He  is  buried  in  Erie  cemetery.  Since 
the  death  of  her  husband,  Mrs.  Bauman  has  continued  in  charge  of  the 
business,  and  is  now  assisted  by  her  two  sons,  Morrill  A.,  and  Allan  J. 
The  business  is  known  as  Bauman  Association  General  Cleaners. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Louis  J.  Bauman  five  children  were  born,  as  follows: 
Mrs.  Elsie  A.  Strick,  lives  in  Erie;  Mrs.  Lucille  Peckham,  lives  in  Erie, 
and  they  have  one  son,  Paul  Edward ;  Morrill  A. ;  Allan  J. ;  and  Louis  F., 
a  high  school  student. 

Mrs.  Bauman  and  her  family  are  members  of  St.   Paul's   Episcopal 
Church  and  rank  among  the  ambitious  and  progressive  citizens  of  the 
community. 
(52) 


818  History  of  Erie  County 

Bernard  M.  Deck,  a  substantial  citizen  of  Erie,  engaged  in  the  grocery 
business  at  621  West  26th  Street,  is  a  native  of  Erie.  He  was  born  July 
24,  1876,  and  is  the  son  of  Conrad  and  Mary  (Hoffman)  Deck. 

Conrad  Deck,  who  now  lives  retired,  was  for  many  years  a  leading 
cigar  manufacturer  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in  Germany,  Feb.  6,  1837,  the 
son  of  John  and  Margaret  (Welsh)  Deck.  In  1861  he  came  to  this  country 
and  located  in  Erie,  going  to  work  for  George  Bartles,  where  he  remained 
for  one  year.  He  then  worked  18  months  for  C.  M.  Conrad,  when  he 
bought  him  out  and  conducted  the  factory  on  5th  Street.  Later  he 
operated  on  French  Street  and  Park  Row.  For  the  past  ten  years  Mr. 
Deck  has  lived  retired.  He  resides  at  214  East  4th  Street.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  1863  to  Miss  Anna  M.  Hoffman,  the  daughter  of  Nicholas  Hoffman, 
of  Erie,  and  to  this  union  the  following  children  were  born:  Mrs.  Mar- 
garet Reemer,  lives  in  Erie;  John,  lives  in  California;  Conrad,  Jr.,  lives 
in  Erie;  Adam,  Peter,  Mrs.  Anna  Koon,  and  Mrs.  Catherine  Gehrleim,  all 
live  in  Erie;  Amanda,  treasurer  of  the  Underwood  Typewriter  Company 
in  Erie;  Edith,  a  teacher,  lives  in  Erie;  P.  W.,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears 
in  this  history;  and  Bernard  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Bernard  M.  Deck  received  his  education  in  the  Erie  schools  and  when 
a  young  boy  learned  the  cigar  making  trade  in  his  father's  factory.  He 
engaged  in  this  business  until  1914,  at  which  time  he  entered  the  grocery 
business  at  his  present  location.  Mr.  Deck  carries  a  fine  line  of  groceries 
and  meats,  and  also  has  a  soda  fountain  and  cigar  business  in  connection. 
He  has  an  extensive  trade. 

In  June,  1902,  Mr.  Deck  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Frances 
Mary  Eichenlaub,  a  native  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  Joseph  B.  and 
Elizabeth  (Haas)  Eichenlaub,  residents  of  Erie.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Deck  had 
three  children,  all  of  whom  are  deceased. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Deck  are  members  of  the  Sacred  Heart  Catholic  Church 
and  he  belongs  to  the  Elks  lodge. 

Mrs.  Alma  B.  Totman  is  a  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  business 
woman  of  Erie.  She  is  the  proprietor  of  the  Totman  Auto  &  Carriage 
Works  at  1215-17  French  Street.  She  was  born  in  Melbourne,  Australia, 
the  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Sarah  (McCruddon)  Smith. 

Thomas  Smith  traveled  throughout  the  world  as  a  silk  broker.  He  was 
born  in  England  in  1853,  and  died  at  Melbourne,  Australia,  in  1918.  His 
wife,  a  native  of  Australia,  died  in  1914  at  the  age  of  45  years.    Mr.  and 


History  of  Erie  County  819 

Mrs.  Smith  had  two  children,  Alma  B.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and 
Clement  M.,  who  lives  in  Australia. 

Alma  B.  Smith  spent  her  early  life  traveling  with  her  parents  and  was 
educated  in  Europe.  At  the  age  of  19  years  she  was  married  to  J.  R. 
Totman  of  Erie,  the  son  of  H.  M.  Totman. 

H.  M.  Totman  was  born  in  Connecticut  and  came  to  Meadville,  Pa.,  and 
in  1892  established  the  Totman  Carriage  Works  at  Erie,  Pa.,  which  was 
later  conducted  by  his  son.  He  died  in  1917  and  is  buried  in  Lakeside 
cemetery,  Erie.  J.  R.  Totman  was  born  at  Meadville,  Pa.,  and  was  edu- 
cated in  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Erie. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  R.  Totman  two  children  were  born:  James  R., 
born  July  19,  1909;  and  Thelma  V.,  born  October  14,  1914. 

Mrs.  Totman  and  her  family  are  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

Horace  J.  0.  Younghans,  a  prominent  and  successful  business  man  of 
Erie,  engaged  in  the  insurance  business  at  1101  State  Street,  was  born 
at  Conneaut,  Ohio,  March  11,  1869.  He  is  the  son  of  John  A.  and  Laura 
(Greene)  Younghans. 

The  Younghans  family  is  among  the  well  known  pioneer  families  of  this 
section.  John  A.  Younghans  was  a  native  of  Erfurt,  Saxony,  Germany, 
born  in  1844.  When  he  was  six  years  of  age  his  parents  came  to  this 
country  and  located  in  Erie,  where  he  engaged  in  the  shoe  business.  He 
served  throughout  the  Civil  War,  having  enlisted  in  the  navy.  About 
1897  he  became  associated  with  the  Holland  Manufacturing  Company 
of  Erie,  Pa.,  as  a  stockholder  and  traveling  salesman.  During  the  latter 
part  of  his  life  he  was  a  traveling  salesman  and  represented  the  American 
Beauty  Stove  Company.  He  served  on  the  Erie  City  Council  for  two  terms. 
He  died  November  13,  1921,  and  his  wife,  who  was  a  native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, died  July  8,  1911,  at  the  age  of  60  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Younghans 
are  buried  in  Erie  cemetery.  They  were  the  parents  of  three  children: 
Horace  J.  0.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Mrs.  Gertrude  J.  Pilgram,  lives 
in  Erie;  and  Laura,  married  Edward  Clark,  a  native  of  London,  England, 
both  deceased. 

Horace  J.  0.  Younghans  attended  the  public  schools  of  Conneaut  and 
was  also  educated  in  Tennessee.  In  1880  he  located  in  Erie  with  his  par- 
ents where  he  was  employed  in  a  shoe  factory  and  later  he  became  a  ma- 
chinist. In  May,  1900,  he  began  writing  insurance  for  the  Prudential  Life 
Insurance  Company.     He  has  been  located  at  his  present  address  since 


820  History  of  Erie  County 

March  23,  1923.  He  specializes  in  casualty  insurance  and  to  some  extent 
deals  in  real  estate. 

In  1895  Mr.  Younghans  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Philomena 
Roth  of  Erie.    To  this  union  a  daughter  was  born,  Dorothy  L.,  a  musician. 

Mr.  Younghans  is  affiliated  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows 
and  the  Maccabees.  He  is  a  public  spirited  citizen  and  holds  the  high 
regard  of  all  who  know  him. 

Timothy  Jay  Mahoney  is  among  the  representative  young  attorneys 
of  Erie,  where  he  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Nagorski,  Firman  &  Mahoney, 
with  offices  in  the  Palace  Building.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  Feb.  22, 
1890,  and  is  the  son  of  M.  L.  and  Ellen  (Hughes)  Mahoney. 

M.  L.  Mahoney,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  this  city,  as  is  his  wife. 
For  a  number  of  years  he  operated  W.  L.  Scott's  pleasure  yacht.  Steamer 
"Mystic,"  and  later  engaged  in  business  in  Erie.  He  died  April  29,  1912, 
and  is  buried  in  Trinity  Cemetery.  His  wife  resides  at  113  West  Third 
Street,  Erie.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mahoney  were  born  five  children :  Thomas 
Hughes,  lives  in  Erie;  Harrison  Gerald,  lives  in  Los  Angeles,  Calif.;  Mary 
A.,  and  Robert  F.,  live  in  Erie;  and  Timothy  Jay,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 

After  attending  the  parochial  and  public  schools  of  Erie,  Timothy 
Jay  Mahoney  entered  Georgetown  University,  Washington,  D.  C,  from 
which  he  was  graduated  in  1921  with  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  In  October  of 
that  year  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  District  of  Columbia  and  in 
December  was  admitted  to  the  Pennsylvania  bar.  Mr.  Mahoney  began 
his  business  career  in  1910  in  the  employ  of  the  Erie  Dispatch  and  until 
1918  was  connected  with  that  newspaper  as  well  as  the  Herald  and  Times. 
From  1920  until  1921  he  served  as  chief  of  The  Pay  Division  of  the  Public 
Health  Bureau  of  U.  S.  Treasury  Department,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 
While  in  the  university  he  held  the  office  of  managing  editor  of  "Ye 
Doomsday  Booke,"  the  graduating  year  book  of  all  the  departments  of 
Georgetown  University. 

During  the  World  War  Mr.  Mahoney  served  18  months  in  the  in- 
fantry branch  of  the  U.  S.  Army  and  was  stationed  at  Fort  Thomas,  Ky., 
and  Camp  Meigs,  Washington,  D.  C. 

On  Sept.  1,  1919,  Mr.  Mahoney  was  married  to  Miss  Arvilla  Renz,  a 
native  of  this  city,  a  daughter  of  George  F.  and  Maud  A.  (Lutz)  Renz, 
natives  of  Erie,  and  a  sister  of  Dr.  0.  W.  Renz  and  Dr.  M.  F.  Renz,  also 


TIMOTHV    JAV     .\1AH(_)X1£:Y 


History  of  Erie  County  821 

of  Erie.  George  F.  Renz  died  May  8,  1917,  and  his  wife  resides  at  548 
East  Eighth  Street,  Erie.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mahoney  have  been  born 
two  children:     Timothy  Jay,  Jr.,  and  Nedra  Mary. 

Mr.  Mahoney  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church  and  belongs  to 
the  University  Club,  Delta  Theta  Phi  Ljiw  Fraternity,  Knights  of  Colum- 
bus, and  is  past  grand  knight  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  Erie  Council 
No.  278.    He  is  a  Republican. 

William  Swenson,  a  well  known  and  dependable  citizen  of  Erie,  was 
born  in  Sweden,  Sept.  21,  1881,  and  is  a  son  of  Swan  and  Johanna  (Yol- 
son)  Swenson. 

Swan  Swenson  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  Sweden  and  is  now  living 
retired.  He  and  his  wife  are  the  parents  of  ten  children,  nine  of  whom 
are  living. 

William  Swenson  spent  his  boyhood  in  his  native  land  where  he  learned 
his  trade  as  cabinet  maker.  At  the  age  of  19  years  he  came  to  this  country 
and  settled  in  Erie  where  he  has  since  lived.  He  owns  a  shop  at  513 
West  11th  Street  and  does  all  kinds  of  upholstering  and  cabinet  work. 

On  Dec.  12,  1904,  Mr.  Swenson  was  married  in  Erie  to  Miss  Marie 
Christopher,  who  came  to  this  country  from  Denmark,  at  the  age  of  18 
years.  They  have  six  children,  as  follows:  Wilbur,  Gordon,  Elizabeth, 
Alice,  Paul  and  Harvey. 

Mr.  Swenson  is  a  Republican  and  a  member  of  the  Swedish  Salvation 
Army  Church. 

G.  M.  Gerbracht  is  a  substantial  citizen  of  Erie,  where  he  is  engaged 
in  the  grocery  business  at  1102  West  22nd  Street.  He  was  born  in  Erie, 
Jan.  12,  1890,  and  is  the  son  of  Jacob  A.,  and  Louise  (Albracht)  Ger- 
bracht. 

Jacob  A.  Gerbracht  is  a  native  of  Erie,  born  at  524  West  6th  Street, 
July  9,  1864.  He  is  the  son  of  Antone  and  Margaret  (Weber)  Gerbracht, 
and  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  Erie.  After  working  at  his  trade  of 
moulder  for  20  years,  he  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  in  1908.  Mr. 
Gerbracht's  place  of  business,  known  as  the  Erie  grocery,  is  located  at 
1002  West  6th  Sfreet.  On  April  28,  1888,  Mr.  Gerbracht  was  married  at 
Dunkirk,  N.  Y.,  to  Miss  Louise  Albracht,  of  Erie,  and  to  this  union  15 
children  were  born,  ten  of  whom  are  now  living,  as  follows :  Louise  Bern- 
hart,  lives  in  Erie;  G.  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Earl,  lives  in  Erie; 


822  History  of  Erie  County 

William,  a  veteran  of  the  World  War,  associated  in  business  with  his 
father;  Mrs.  Martha  Steimer,  Mrs.  Anna  Schack;  Mrs.  Ruth  Lewis,  Flor- 
ence, Thomas,  and  Donald,  all  residents  of  Erie.  Those  deceased  are: 
Charles,  Margaret,  John,  Katherine  R.,  and  Jacob. 

G.  M.  Gerbracht  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and  in 
1916  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  at  1061  West  22nd  Street.  Several 
years  later  he  sold  this  business  and  moved  to  his  present  location.  Mr. 
Gerbracht  carries  a  high  grade  line  of  groceries  and  also  deals  in  cigars 
and  tobacco. 

On  May  17,  1911,  Mr.  Gerbracht  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Agnes  Youngbauer,  of  Erie,  and  to  this  union  one  child  has  been  born, 
Catherine,  born  in  1912. 

Politically  Mr.  Gerbracht  is  a  Democrat  and  he  and  his  family  hold 
membership  in  the  Catholic  Church.  He  is  a  progressive  man  and  well 
liked  throughout  the  community. 

Benjamin  F.  Evans,  retired,  is  a  member  of  one  of  the  oldest  and  most 
prominent  pioneer  families  in  Erie  County.  He  was  born  on  a  farm  in 
Mill  Creek  Township,  Jan.  31,  1857,  and  is  the  son  of  Uriah  and  Dorothy 
(Knodle)  Evans. 

Uriah  Evans  was  a  native  of  Lancaster  County,  Pa.,  and  came  to  this 
county  with  his  parents  when  he  was  five  years  old.  He  engaged  in  the 
lumber  busmess  in  Mill  Creek  Township.  He  settled  on  a  farm  in  McKean 
Township,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Mr.  Evans  died  at 
the  age  of  78  years  and  his  wife,  a  native  of  Germany,  died  when  she 
was  79  years  old.  They  are  buried  in  Talmadge  Cemetery,  Mill  Creek 
Township.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Evans  were  the  parents  of  six  children,  three  of 
whom  are  now  living:  Benjamin  F.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Miss  Eliza- 
beth and  Charles  W.,  who  reside  on  the  old  home  place. 

Benjamin  F.  Evans  spent  his  boyhood  on  the  farm  and  received  his 
education  in  the  district  schools.  In  1881  he  came  to  Erie,  where  he  worked 
at  his  trade  as  a  carpenter.  Later,  he  was  employed  by  Jacob  Minnig, 
well  known  grocer  and  then  became  associated  with  P.  Minnig,  grocer, 
in  whose  employ  he  remained  for  28  years.  Mr.  Evans  was  stock  keeper 
and  also  served  as  adjuster  between  the  railroads  and  his  firm  for  dam- 
aged goods.  In  1913  he  was  elected  tax  collector  of  Mill  Creek  Township 
and  served  four  years.  In  1918  he  retired  from  active  business.  He  lives 
at  301  Peach  Street,  where  he  owns  a  modern  and  attractive  home. 


History  of  Erie  County  823 

Mr.  Evans  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Nancy  Jane  Waidley,  a 
native  of  Erie  County,  and  the  daughter  of  Adam  and  Elizabeth  (Minnig) 
Waidley,  both  deceased.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Evans  two  children  were  born: 
Lee  W.,  who  was  killed  in  an  automobile  accident  on  July  5,  1915,  at  the 
age  of  29  years ;  and  Ruby  Dorothy,  a  graduate  of  Erie  High  School,  took 
a  kindergarten  teacher's  course.  She  has  been  a  teacher  of  the  kinder- 
garten school  for  13  years,  the  last  seven  of  which  have  been  spent  in 
Perry  School.    She  resides  with  her  parents. 

Mr.  Evans  is  an  independent  voter.  He  and  his  family  hold  member- 
ship in  the  New  Jerusalem  Church,  and  he  belongs  to  the  Knights  of 
Pythias.  Mr.  Evans  is  held  in  high  regard  throughout  the  entire  com- 
munity and  is  an  excellent  citizen. 

Arthur  H.  Beyer,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  jewelry  business 
in  Erie,  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  in  Erie,  April  15, 
1893,  and  is  the  son  of  Emil  and  Louise  (Brevillier)  Beyer. 

Emil  Beyer  was  born  in  Germany  in  1855.  At  the  age  of  25  years  he 
came  to  the  United  States  and  located  in  Erie,  where  he  engaged  in  the 
jewelry  business  with  his  brother,  Joseph,  who  had  established  the  busi- 
ness in  1892.  At  the  death  of  his  brother  in  1900,  Mr.  Beyer  became 
owner  of  the  business  which  he  successfully  conducted  until  the  time  of 
his  death  in  1919.  Hfs  wife,  a  native  of  Erie,  is  now  68  years  of  age.  There 
were  two  children  in  the  Beyer  family:  Arthur  H.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch ;  and  Edmund,  who  died  at  the  age  of  eight  years. 

Arthur  H.  Beyer  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie 
and  was  graduated  from  Central  High  School  in  1914.  He  was  engaged 
in  his  father's  store  until  the  outbreak  of  the  World  War,  when  he  en- 
listed in  the  navy.  After  a  year's  service  he  was  commissioned  ensign 
and  served  in  that  capacity  four  months.  Mr.  Beyer  spent  two  years  in 
the  Philadelphia  Horological  School.  His  place  o  fbusiness  is  located  at 
1602  Peach  Street,  and  is  one  of  the  attractive  jewelry  shops  of  the  city. 
He  carries  a  complete  line  of  jewelry,  silverware,  watches  and  clocks. 

On  Oct.  2,  1920,  Mr.  Beyer  was  married  to  Miss  Eleanor  Gray,  of  Erie, 
and  to  this  union  has  been  born  one  child,  Mary  Louise. 

Mr.  Beyer  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Elks  lodge  and  belongs 
to  the  American  Legion.  He  is  well  known  in  his  community,  where  his 
family  has  always  been  held  in  high  esteem. 


824  History  of  Erie  County 

Francis  Thomas  Nagorski  has  attained  distinctive  prestige  as  one 
of  the  able  and  popular  members  of  the  bar  of  Erie  County  and  has  also 
gained  marked  recognition  as  a  progressive  business  man  of  Erie.  He 
was  born  in  the  Village  of  Wiszyn,  near  Dantzig,  in  Pomerania,  then  West 
Prussia,  Germany,  now  Poland,  Sept.  18,  1879,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and 
Frances  (Klawiter)  von  Nagorski.  In  1888  the  family  came  to  the  United 
States  and  in  May  of  that  year  took  up  their  residence  in  Erie. 

The  family  name  of  Nagorski  was  corrupted  by  erroneous  spelling 
initiated  by  an  uncle,  Alois  Nagorski,  who  was  an  early  settler  in  Erie, 
and  who  upon  his  naturalization  wrote  his  name  Nagosky.  This  last  spell- 
ing is  wrong  and  was  caused,  perhaps,  by  a  desire  to  simplify  the  name 
and  make  it  less  difficult  to  pronounce. 

Mr.  Nagorski  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  his 
native  land  and  was  about  11  years  of  age  at  the  time  that  the  family 
immigrated  to  America.  He  was  reared  in  Erie  and  continued  his  primary 
education  in  St.  Stanislaus'  parochial  school,  after  which  he  took  up  his 
preparatory  work  in  Sts.  Ciril  and  Methodius  Seminary  at  Detroit,  Mich. 

In  1895,  his  father  who  was  a  building  contractor  and  was  engaged 
in  the  construction  of  the  St.  Stanislaus'  Church  in  the  City  of  Erie, 
became  afflicted  with  paralysis,  and  Francis  T.  Nagorski  was  compelled 
to  quit  school.  He  finished  his  preliminary  education  in  the  Central  High 
School  of  Erie,  Pa.,  with  the  class  of  1898,  and  afterwards  entered  the 
Law  School  of  the  University  of  Michigan,  from  which  he  was  graduated 
in  1904  with  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  On  July  1,  1905,  he  was  admitted  to 
the  bar  of  Erie  County;  he  is  also  admitted  to  practice  before  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania. 

He  became  interested  from  the  very  beginning  of  his  legal  career,  in 
the  material,  economical  and  moral  improvement  of  the  Polish  immigrant. 
He  has  defended  the  Polish  people  from  unjust  attacks,  and  has  from  time 
to  time  written  illuminating  articles  in  the  press,  dispelling  prejudice 
and  disseminating  truthful  information.  In  co-operation  with  Rev.  An- 
drew Ignasiak,  he  organized  the  East  Side  Building  and  Loan  Association 
in  the  year  1907,  for  the  purpose  of  stimulating  savings  and  creating 
funds  to  facilitate  the  building  of  homes  and  improving  living  conditions. 
This  association  has  been  very  prosperous,  and  he  is  still  its  solicitor.  He 
was  also  one  of  the  initiators  of  the  Bank  of  Erie,  now  the  Bank  of  Erie 
Trust  Company,  of  which  he  is  a  director  and  solicitor.    Besides  the  inter- 


FRANCIS  THOMAS  NAGORSKI 


History  of  Erie  County  825 

est  in  the  material  side  of  life,  he  has  taken  active  part  in  the  promotion 
of  education  and  social  improvement  of  the  people  among  which  he  has 
cast  his  lot.  He  was  a  secretary  of  the  Saint  John  Kanty  College  Associa- 
tion which  built  the  Saint  John  Kanty  College,  south  of  Wesleyville,  near 
the  City  of  Erie.  He  was  director  of  the  Erie's  Community  Chest  for  one 
term,  and  he  is  president  of  the  Community  Young  Men's  Association,  an 
institution  which  is  endeavoring  to  do  work  on  the  east  side  of  the  City 
of  Erie  after  the  manner  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A. 

He  takes  active  part  in  the  problems  of  the  American  citizens  of 
Polish  descent  in  this  country,  and  in  Americanization  work  amongst  the 
people  of  his  descent.  The  most  influential  of  these  organizations,  and 
which  will  be  remembered  during  the  late  great  war  rendered  such  ef- 
fective service,  is  the  Polish  National  Alliance,  of  which  he  is  a  member 
and  president  of  the  local  lodges.  He  is  a  member  of  the  University  Club, 
and  the  Elks. 

In  1918  and  1919  he  represented  his  constituents  in  the  city  council 
as  finance  director  and  vice-mayor. 

He  was  married  in  1910  to  Hedwig  Dymsia,  of  Homestead,  Pa.,  and 
the  issue  of  this  marriage  are  three  children:  Francis  T.,  Jr.,  born  April 
29,  1911 ;  Robert,  born  March  12,  1915 ;  and  Hubert,  born  Dec.  17,  1921. 

He  is  a  Republican  in  politics.  In  the  year  1916  in  the  campaign  for 
assembly,  he  came  within  34  votes  of  being  elected  over  the  combination 
Republican-Democrat  candidate.  His  defeat,  however,  was  a  victory  for 
the  Republican  party  because  his  winning  precincts  also  gave  Henry  A. 
Clark  a  fine  vote,  which  resulted  in  the  election  of  Mr.  Clark  to  Congress. 
Mr.  Clark  won  by  613  votes  from  his  Democratic  opponent,  Charles  N. 
Crosby. 

N.  R.  Kellam,  owner  of  the  Paris  Cloak  House,  is  among  the  well  known 
and  successful  business  men  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in  Maine,  April  9, 
1862,  and  is  the  son  of  Wesley  and  Selenia  (Porter)  Kellam. 

Wesley  Kellam  was  a  native  of  Maine  and  died  in  1866.  His  wife  was 
born  in  Nova  Scotia  and  died  in  1888.  There  were  four  children  in  the 
Kellam  family,  all  of  whom  are  now  living. 

N.  R.  Kellam  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Maine,  and  when 
a  young  man  engaged  in  market  gardening.  When  he  was  24  years  of 
age  he  went  to  Lyons,  Neb.,  and  became  a  miller  for  the  Lyons  Brothei-s 
Milling  Company.     In  1900  Mr.  Kellam  came  to  Erie  and  established  his 


826  History  of  Erie  County 

present  business  at  708  State  Street,  which  was  part  of  the  old  Tom 
Hughes  estate.  In  1919  he  removed  to  his  present  location,  826  Peach 
street.  Mr.  Kellam  specializes  in  the  sale  of  women's  wear,  and  the  Paris 
Cloak  House  is  among  the  leading  shops  of  its  kind  in  the  city. 

In  1887  Mr.  Kellam  was  married  at  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  to  Miss  Margaret 
Forbish,  and  they  have  two  children:  Walter  R.,  a  veteran  of  the  World 
War,  engaged  in  the  automobile  business  in  Erie,  married  Miss  Ruth 
Sunberg,  of  Erie;  and  Doris. 

In  politics  Mr.  Kellam  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  First  Methodist  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Elks  lodge 
and  the  Rotary  Club.  He  is  esteemed  throughout  the  community  as  a 
substantial  and  reliable  citizen. 

J.  Ross  Barney,  a  prominent  builder  and  developer  of  restricted  home- 
sites  of  Erie,  was  born  on  a  farm  in  Green  Township,  Erie  County,  Pa., 
Oct.  15,  1882,  and  is  the  son  of  J.  M.  and  Mary  (Lavery)  Bai'ney. 

J.  M.  Barney,  retired,  is  a  native  of  Erie  County,  born  in  Green  Town- 
ship, in  1859.  During  his  life  he  followed  general  farming  and  met  with 
success.  His  wife  died  in  1919  at  the  age  of  64  years  and  is  buried  in 
Green  Township.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barney  eight  children  were  born,  of 
whom  J.  Ross,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is  the  oldest  son. 

J.  Ross  Barney  acquired  his  education  in  various  schools  and  colleges 
including  Edinboro  Normal  School  and  Grove  City  College.  After  gradu- 
ating from  these  institutions  and  receiving  his  degree,  he  took  two  yearj 
post  graduate  work  under  Dr.  Bowne,  of  Boston  University,  and  Dr. 
Ormond,  of  Princeton  University,  specializing  in  philosophical  research 
work,  and  has  one  of  the  best  collections  of  books  on  philosophical  and 
theosophical  work.  Mr.  Barney  finds  time  to  continue  his  studies  and 
devotes  several  hours  each  week  to  study  and  meditation. 

After  graduation  our  subject  spent  four  years  as  principal  of  schools 
in  this  state  and  later  became  interested  in  real  estate  development  and 
building  of  fine  homes.  He  named  his  subdivision  Chestnut  Hill  and  was 
a  pioneer  in  this  field  of  work,  being  the  first  to  restrict  his  property  to 
homes  with  $25,000.00,  and  has  built  several  that  cost  considerable  more. 

Mr.  Barney  is  well  equipped  with  his  wide  experience  in  building  and 
development  of  allotments  and  has  the  advantage  of  having  his  own 
mill  doing  his  mill  work  and  finish  on  the  job. 

Mr.  Barney  owns  another  large  subdivision  called  Moreland  Farms 
and  has  several  homes  already  completed. 


History  of  Erie  County  827 

In  addition  to  the  Erie  projects,  he  has  complete  management  and  de- 
velopment and  exclusive  sale  of  Sheridan  Park,  the  largest  and  most  ex- 
pensive projects  ever  attempted  in  Buffalo.  The  improvements  are  now 
completed  in  over  eight  miles  of  street  frontage  at  a  cost  of  over  five 
million  dollars.  Sheridan  Drive,  a  180  ft.  boulevard,  is  the  only  street 
in  the  world  costing  over  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  per  mile  for  pave- 
ment. 

On  Aug.  15,  1907,  Mr.  Barney  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Myrtle 
E.  Frantz,  a  native  of  Cambridge  Springs,  Pa.,  the  daughter  of  George 
D.  and  Sarepta  (Fullerton)  Frantz.  To  this  union  have  been  born  four 
children,  as  follows:  J.  Milton,  born  April  8,  1911;  Dorothy,  born  April 
29,  1913 ;  Marjorie  L.,  born  January  2,  1918 ;  and  Marian  Ruth,  born  July 
23,  1921. 

Mr.  Barney  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows,  the  University  Club,  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  the  Master 
Builders  Association,  and  the  Erie  Builders  Exchange.  He  is  a  progressive 
citizen  of  Erie  and  has  an  extensive  acquaintance  throughout  the  com- 
munity. 

Charles  A.  Feisler,  superintendent  of  the  Northwestern  Humane  So- 
ciety of  Pennsylvania,  is  one  of  the  well  known  and  dependable  citizens 
of  Erie.  He  was  born  there  Aug.  8,  1876,  and  is  a  son  of  Louis  E.  and 
Mary   (Bowers)  Feisler. 

Louis  E.  Feisler  was  born  in  Mill  Creek  Township,  Erie  County,  in  1846. 
He  engaged  in  railroading  during  his  active  career  and  has  lived  retired 
since  1915.  His  wife,  who  was  also  a  native  of  Mill  Creek  Township, 
died  in  1884,  at  the  age  of  40  years.  Her  parents  settled  in  Erie  County 
more  than  a  century  ago.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Feisler  six  children  were  born, 
three  of  whom  are  now  living. 

Charles  A.  Feisler  grew  up  in  Erie  and  attended  the  public  schools. 
He  was  very  ambitious  and  at  14  owned  a  paper  route  besides  working 
in  a  barber  shop  evenings.  When  he  was  18  years  of  age  he  opened  a 
barber  shop  at  1509  Sassafras  Street,  which  he  conducted  for  six  years. 
His  next  business  venture  was  a  pool  room,  bowling  alley  and  barber 
shop,  at  1511  Peach  Street,  which  he  owned  until  1904.  He  then  pur- 
chased a  hotel  at  26th  and  Peach  Street,  which  was  known  as  the  South 
Erie  Hotel.  In  1914  this  was  sold  and  Mr.  Feisler  engaged  in  the  automo- 
bile business  with  M.  Nelson,  agent  for  the  Hudson  automobile.     Since 


828  History  of  Erie  County 

1918  he  has  held  his  present  position.  His  wife  is  matron  of  the  Erie 
County  Detention  Home. 

On  Sept.  30,  1903,  Mr.  Feisler  was  married  in  Buffalo  to  Miss  Mayme 
Haaf,  of  Erie,  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Mary  A.  (Grant)  Haaf.  Mr. 
Haaf  hves  at  Erie.  His  wife  is  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Feisler  have  a 
daughter,  Marion  Dorothy. 

Politically,  Mr.  Feisler  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  St.  Paul's 
Episcopal  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Elks,  Eagles  and  Moose  lodges.  He 
has  always  been  a  progressive  and  enterprising  citizen. 

Joseph  Crane  Williams,  mayor,  is  among  Erie's  representative  and 
influential  citizens.  He  was  born  in  this  city  at  837  East  Sixth  Street, 
Jan.  8,  1877,  and  is  the  son  of  Joseph  H.  and  Nancy  B.  (Crane)  Williams, 
sketches  of  whom  appear  in  this  history. 

Mr.  Williams  began  life  as  a  newsboy  on  the  streets  of  his  home  town 
and  attended  the  public  schools.  His  business  career  began  as  a  messen- 
ger boy  for  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  in  the  freight  house  office  at  Parade 
and  15th  Streets.  He  then  was  employed  as  a  clerk  with  the  W.  L.  Scott 
Coal  Company  and  during  the  years,  1903  and  1904,  he  acted  as  superin- 
tendent of  the  company's  dock  in  Chicago,  returning  to  Erie  Jan.  1,  1905. 
Here  he  served  as  clerk  in  the  Susquehanna  Coal  Company  office  until 
December,  1911,  when  he  began  his  term  of  office  as  city  treasurer,  to 
which  he  had  been  elected  in  November,  1910.  Mr.  Williams  held  this  office 
until  April,  1916,  at  which  time  he  was  appointed  chief  clerk  of  the 
county  commissioners.  He  served  in  this  capacity  until  January,  1920, 
when  he  again  took  office  as  city  treasurer,  being  re-elected  in  the  fall 
election  of  1920.  On  Jan.  7,  1924,  he  took  office  as  mayor  of  Erie,  having 
been  elected  in  the  November,  1923,  election  without  opposition. 

On  July  31,  1901,  Mr.  Williams  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Caroline  Loverna  Schuwerk,  who  was  born  at  McKean,  Erie  County,  the 
daughter  of  Max  M.  and  Jenny  L.  (Stafford)  Schuwerk,  the  former  a 
native  of  Germany  and  the  latter  of  Erie  County.  Mr.  Schuwerk  was  born 
Nov.  5,  1852,  and  his  wife  was  born  Jan.  25,  1852.  He  died  Oct.  23,  1911, 
and  his  wife  died  March  25,  1917.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  a  daughter 
has  been  born,  Jane  Loverna  Williams,  born  March  20,  1906.  She  is  a 
student  at  Allegheny  College,  Meadville,  Pa. 

Mr.  Williams  is  affiliated  with  the  First  Methodist  Church  of  Ei'ie, 
and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  Lodge  and  Shrine,  Chamber  of  Commerce, 


yXff^uui£  LXAi-o:^^^ 


JOSEPH   H.   WILLIAMS 


MRS.    NANCY   B.    WILLIAMS 


History  of  Erie  County  829 

Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  Elks  Lodge, 
and  the  Loyal  Order  of  Moose.  He  is  a  Republican  and  during  his  long 
term  of  public  service  as  an  official  he  has  been  most  progressive  and 
efficient. 

Joseph  H.  Williams,  deceased,  was  a  substantial  and  highly  esteemed 
citizen  of  Erie.  He  was  born  at  Burlington,  N.  J.,  Oct.  29,  1839,  a  son 
of  Samuel  S.  and  Sarah  (Hutchinson)  Williams,  the  father  a  native  of 
Burlington,  N.  J.,  and  the  mother  of  Bucks  County,  Pa. 

The  Williams  family  is  an  old  and  highly  esteemed  family  of  New 
Jersey,  and  John  N.  Williams,  the  paternal  great-grandfather  of  the  Erie 
Joseph  H.  Williams,  served  in  the  Revolutionary  War  in  a  New  Jersey 
regiment.  He  met  his  death  at  the  Battle  of  Monmouth,  and  his  son 
Daniel,  the  grandfather  of  Joseph  H.,  was  born  near  that  battle  ground 
in  Monmouth  County,  and  died  in  Burlington,  N.  J.,  and  the  maternal 
grandfather  of  Mr.  Williams  died  in  Bucks  County,  Pa.  The  latter  was 
an  Englishman  by  birth. 

Joseph  H.  Williams  spent  the  early  years  of  his  life  in  his  native  city 
of  Burlington  and  in  1861  he  volunteered  in  three  month's  service  in  the 
Civil  War,  but  being  refused  on  account  of  the  company  being  full,  he 
again  volunteered  in  February,  1864,  in  Company  F,  186th  Regiment  of 
Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  struggle. 
Four  of  his  brothers  were  also  in  the  war,  two  serving  in  the  112th 
Regiment  of  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry,  one  in  the  Third  New  Jer- 
sey Regiment  and  one  was  in  the  Construction  Corps.  Previous  to  join- 
ing the  army,  Joseph  H.  Williams  had  learned  the  bricklayer's  trade  and 
coming  to  the  City  of  Erie  in  1872  he  began  contracting  and  building  and 
continued  along  that  line  of  work  until  his  death.  Mr.  Williams,  in  com- 
pany with  Robert  T.  Shank,  built  some  of  the  leading  business  places  and 
beautiful  homes  of  Erie  and  during  its  existence  was  one  of  the  largest 
contracting  firms  in  the  county.  Among  the  fine  residences  constructed 
by  them  was  the  home  of  Mrs.  C.  W.  Strong.    He  died  Dec.  23,  1913. 

On  Oct.  14,  1870,  Mr.  Williams  married  Miss  Nancy  B.  Crane,  a  sketch 
of  whom  and  a  history  of  the  Crane  family  appear  in  this  volume. 

Mr.  Williams  was  a  Republican  and  served  as  a  member  of  the  School 

Board  for  16  years  and  was  instrumental  in  the  founding  of  the  public 

.  libi'ary  in  Erie.    He  was  a  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  was 

identified  with  the  Masonic  Lodge  and  the  following  branches :   P.  M.  Perry 


830  History  of  Erie  County 

Lodge  No.  392 ;  Temple  Chapter  No.  215,  R.  A.  M. ;  P.  T.  I.  G.  M.  Jerusa- 
lem Council  No.  33,  R.  &  S.  M.;  E.  C.  Mt.  Olivet  Commandery  No.  30 
K.  T. ;  Zem  Zem  Temple,  and  Presque  Isle  of  Perfection. 

Mrs.  Nancy  B.  (Crane)  Williams,  probation  officer  of  Erie  County,  is 
among  the  highly  esteemed  women  of  Erie,  and  a  member  of  one  of  the 
county's  prominent  pioneer  families.  She  was  born  in  this  city,  Jan.  12, 
1852,  and  is  the  daughter  of  James  and  Priscilla  (Roberts)  Crane. 

James  Crane  was  the  son  of  Abiatha  Crane,  one  of  the  pioneers  of 
Erie  and  a  soldier  of  the  Revolutionary  War.  He  established  the  Crane 
Stone  Quarry  Company  in  Erie,  which  was  owned  by  him  until  his  death 
in  June,  1852. 

Nancy  B.  Crane  was  reared  and  educated  in  Erie  and  on  Oct.  14,  1870, 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Joseph  H.  Williams,  now  deceased.  A  sketch 
of  Mr.  Williams  appears  in  this  volume. 

To  Joseph  C.  and  Nancy  B.  (Crane)  Williams  were  born  six  chil- 
dren, as  follows:  Charles  Hutchin,  born  July  31,  1871,  married  Clara 
Jackson,  and  they  live  at  117  East  Fifth  Street,  Erie;  Joseph  Crane,  born 
July  8,  1877,  mention  of  whom  is  made  below;  Max  C,  born  Sept.  29, 
1879,  married  Louise  Greger,  served  as  chairman  of  the  Erie  County 
Republican  Committeemen  from  1919  until  1924,  and  they  live  at  217 
East  Avenue,  Erie;  Robert  K.,  born  Oct.  28,  1882,  married  Mamie  Olivett, 
lives  at  823  East  Sixth  Street,  Erie;  Sarah,  born  Jan.  10,  1884,  married 
C.  V.  Olsen,  lives  at  837  East  Sixth  Street ;  and  Laura,  bom  Jan.  31,  1885, 
married  Hugo  Nicolai,  and  they  live  at  Irvington,  N.  J. 

Mrs.  Joseph  C.  Williams  was  appointed  probation  officer  for  girls  in 
Erie  County  by  Judge  Walling  in  1914  and  in  this  work  she  has  proven 
thoroughly  capable  and  efficient.  She  is  the  first  woman  to  hold  the  posi- 
tion of  probation  officer  in  Erie  County.  She  is  a  member  of  the  Wayne 
Park  Baptist  Church,  and  belongs  to  the  Eastern  Star,  Hiram  Brown 
Circle,  Ladies  of  the  Grand  Army,  and  is  a  teacher  of  the  Women's  Bible 
Class.    She  is  a  Republican. 

The  Crane  Family.  The  following  is  taken  from  the  Cleveland  Sun- 
day Leader  of  April,  1903:  "History  of  an  Illustrious  Family.  Many 
descendants  of  Abiathar  Crane,  one  of  Erie's  pioneer  settlers,  now  reside 
in  this  section.  The  Cranes  are  among  the  earliest  pioneers  of  Erie 
County,  Elihu,  Miles,  and  Abiathar  Crane,  coming  from  New  England  and 
settling  in  the  western  part  of  the  county  in  1797,  in  the  vicinity  of 


History  of  Erie  County  831 

Cranesville.  Abiathar  Crane  later  moved  to  Erie  and  located  in  its  east- 
ern suburb.  No  family  in  the  county  has  a  more  honorable  record  than 
that  of  the  Cranes.  Jasper  Crane,  who  came  from  England  in  1637  with 
Alice,  his  wife,  was  the  emigrant  ancestor.  Their  son,  Jasper,  was  one  of 
the  committee  of  safety  to  protect  the  New  Haven  colony  against  De 
Ruyter,  the  Dutch  Admiral,  who  cruised  in  the  Long  Island  Sound  and 
threatened  the  settlements.  During  the  Revolutionary  War,  the  Con- 
necticut colony,  to  increase  facilities  for  coast  defense,  put  into  service 
three  boats  or  galleys,  one  being  called  'The  Crane,'  named  in  honor  of 
the  family  who  stood  so  loyally  by  the  colony.  It  was  sent  to  New  York  to 
assist  in  its  defense  under  General  Washington  and  even  the  exact  cost  of 
the  'Crane'  has  been  recorded,  £1,013,  6s,  lOd. 

"Of  the  other  Cranes  who  gave  service  to  their  country  there  was 
Ebenezer  Crane,  a  private  of  the  militia,  designated  as  the  'Lexington 
Alarm.'  Memebrs  of  the  family  served  as  privates,  corporals,  and  cap- 
tains, not  only  in  the  Revolutionary  War  and  all  colonial  wars,  but  in  that 
of  1812  and  the  Mexican  War.  Anyone  who  can  claim  a  Crane  as  an 
ancestor  has  no  trouble  in  proving  eligibility  to  the  various  patriotic  socie- 
ties, Colonial  Dames  or  Revolutionary  Daughters  and  Sons.  Love  of  coun- 
try has  ever  been  a  distinguishing  trait  of  the  family  as  well  as  upright 
business  principles.  No  descendant  so  far  as  is  known,  has  ever  been  a 
criminal,  a  pauper,  or  a  suicide.  The  family  is  descended  from  Lord 
Arundell's  family,  and  inherit  the  blood  of  Charlemagne  and  Hugh  Capet, 
both  of  whom  claimed  to  spring  from  Pharmond,  and  from  him  to  Ante- 
nor,  king  of  the  Crimenians,  B.  C.  443.  Chilton,  near  Gudbury,  in  Suffolk, 
is  the  home  of  the  Cranes.  They  lived  at  Chilton  Hall,  a  moated  manor  or 
some  distinction  and  were  lords  of  the  manor.  The  Cranes  in  England 
have  borne  five  coats  of  arms,  whether  all  of  one  family  is  not  certain, 
although  there  is  reason  for  believing  that  they  were  special  grants  made 
for  special  services.  The  several  Armorials  are  lacking  in  mottoes  with 
one  exception. 

"A  member  of  the  Crane  family  of  Cheshire  county,  England,  on  notic- 
ing his  neighbor  Corbett's  motto,  'God  Feeds  the  Crows,'  wrote  for  his 
motto,  'He  who  feeds  the  crows  will  not  forget  the  Cranes.'  In  Chilton 
Church  is  an  elaborate  marble  monument  to  the  memory  of  Liv.  Robert 
Crane,  who  was  knighted  by  James  I.  Of  Jane  Anne  Arundell  it  is 
recorded  that  she  left  by  will,  which  was  proved  in  1521,  money  for  wax 
tapers  for  the  day  of  her  burying  and  afterwards  for  use  at  mass,  also 
money  for  bells  to  ring  dirges  at  her  obsequies.    A  John  Crane  was  clerk 


832  History  of  Erie  County 

of  the  kitchen  to  James  I,  a  position  of  much  honor.  A  Robert  Crane 
of  Suffolk,  was  one  of  the  gentlemen  chosen  by  King  Charles  II  to  be  made 
knight  of  the  Royal  Oak.     He  had  an  estate  of  $75,000  per  year." 

Annette  Young,  the  efficient  clerk  of  courts  of  Erie  County,  is  a 
native  of  this  county.  She  is  a  daughter  of  James  Brown  and  Phoebe 
Jane  Young.  The  father  was  born  in  Ireland  in  1832  of  English  and 
Irish  parentage.  He  came  to  Erie  County  when  a  small  child  and  died 
in  1879.  The  mother  was  a  native  of  Erie  County  and  of  Scotch  descent. 
She  was  reared  in  this  county,  educated  in  the  public  schools  and  Water- 
ford  Academy  and  taught  school.    She  died  April  28,  1925. 

Miss  Young  was  educated  in  the  public  schools,  taught  school  for  one 
year,  and  was  employed  in  business  offices  for  five  years.  She  was  a  resi- 
dent of  Redlands,  Calif.,  for  four  years,  where  she  was  deputy  city  clerk. 
She  was  appointed  deputy  clerk  of  courts  of  Erie  County,  Dec.  1,  1912, 
and  May  1,  1922,  was  appointed  by  the  governor  to  fill  out  the  unexpired 
term  of  the  late  Ross  Cutter  as  clerk  of  courts,  and  was  elected  to  that 
office  for  a  four  year  term,  1924  to  1928,  at  the  November,  1923,  election. 

Miss  Young  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  Park  Presbyterian  Church, 
Woman's  Club,  Zonta  Club,  National  Federation  of  Business  and  Profes- 
sional Women's  Club.  She  is  a  capable  public  official  and  has  a  wide 
acquaintance  in  Erie  County. 

Robert  Edward  Weschler,  who  ranks  among  the  well  known  business 
men  and  substantial  citizens  of  Erie,  was  born  there  Feb.  2,  1877,  the  son 
of  Leo  B.  and  Pauline  (Kimmeth)  Weschler. 

Leo  B.  Weschler  was  born  in  Erie,  the  son  of  Jacob  Weschler,  one  of 
the  city's  pioneer  citizens,  and  old  time  malt  dealers.  Mr.  Weschler  died 
in  1891,  and  his  wife  is  also  deceased.  They  were  the  parents  of  the 
following  children:  Robert  E.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Charles  L., 
Joseph  S.,  Frank  J.,  Harry  J.,  and  Frances. 

Robert  Edward  Weschler  attended  St.  Joseph's  school  in  Chicago, 
the  Erie  public  schools,  and  Clark's  Business  College.  He  entered  upon 
his  business  career  as  a  salesman  selling  the  old  Graphic  newspaper,  of 
which  John  Miller  was  the  editor.  From  that  line  of  work  he  entered 
the  employ  of  M.  A.  Krug,  in  the  shoe  business,  and  was  associated  with 
that  business  house  for  13  years.  In  1901  Mr.  Weschler  engaged  in  the 
shoe  business  with  his  brother,  Charles  L.,  on  State  Street.     With  the 


ANNETTE    VOUNG 


History  of  Erie  County  833 

passing  years  his  business  has  enlarged  and  he  is  now  proprietor  of  one 
of  the  largest  shoe  houses  in  the  city.  In  1903  the  business  was  incor- 
porated with  Mr.  Weschler  as  president  and  Harry  J.  Weschler  as  secre- 
tary, which  offices  they  both  now  hold. 

Mr.  Weschler  was  married  to  Miss  Mae  C.  Scharrer,  of  Erie,  and  a 
daughter  of  one  of  its  oldest  residents,  Jacob  Scharrer.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Weschler  have  four  children,  as  follows:  Joseph,  a  graduate  of  Central 
High  School,  engaged  in  business  with  his  father,  married  Miss  Beatrice 
Duffy  of  Erie ;  Mildred,  a  graduate  of  Academy  High  School,  now  a  student 
at  Seton  College,  Greensburg,  Pa. ;  Robert,  a  high  school  student ;  and 
Helen  Frances,  also  a  student. 

Mr.  Weschler  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  St.  Peter's  Catholic  Church, 
and  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  the  Elks  lodge,  and  the  Board 
of  Commerce.  He  has  served  as  a  member  of  the  board  of  education  for 
21  years  and  has  served  as  president  of  the  board  for  three  terms.  Mr. 
Weschler  and  his  family  are  highly  esteemed  citizens  of  their  community 
and  have  many  friends. 

George  L.  Kelly  is  an  enterprising  and  successful  business  man  of 
Erie.  He  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Kelly  &  Green,  commercial  photog- 
raphers, located  at  116  West  11th  Street.  Mr.  Kelly  was  born  at  Tazewell, 
Va.,  March  29,  1884,  and  is  the  son  of  John  P.  and  Mary  (Groseclose) 
Kelly. 

John  P.  Kelly  is  a  native  of  Marion,  Va.,  born  in  1850.  During  his 
active  life  he  engaged  in  general  farming  and  stock  raising  and  now  lives 
retired.  His  wife,  who  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1844,  died  in  1895.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Kelly  had  nine  children. 

George  L.  Kelly  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  his  native 
state  and  is  a  graduate  of  Emory  and  Henry  College,  in  Virginia,  and 
also  of  the  University  of  Chicago.  After  teaching  high  school  at  Duftield, 
Va.,  for  five  years,  Mr.  Kelly  taught  for  three  years  at  Ottumwa,  Iowa. 
He  then  came  to  Erie  where  he  taught  social  science  in  the  high  schools 
for  eight  years.  Messrs.  Kelly  &  Green  specialize  in  commercial  photog- 
raphy and  wholesale  kodak  finishing.  Their  business  covers  a  radius  of 
200  miles  around  Erie. 

On  Aug.  20,  1920,  Mr.  Kelly  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Gladys 
Short  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  Alfred  and  Helen  (Horton)  Short. 
Mr.  Short  died  in  1914  and  his  wife  resides  at  Erie,  Pa.  Mrs.  Kelly  is  a 
(53) 


834  History  of  Erie  County 

graduate  of  the  University  of  Florida  and  taught  school  for  six  years  in 
Erie  before  her  marriage.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kelly  have  one  son,  Donald,  born 
May  5,  1924. 

Mr.  Kelly  is  a  Democrat  and  a  member  of  the  First  Methodist  Church. 
He  is  a  leading  and  representative  citizen  of  his  community. 

John  Henry  Buys,  who  ranks  among  the  substantial  and  hig'hly  es- 
teemed citizens  of  Erie,  was  born  in  Summit  Township,  Erie  County,  in 
1839.  After  attending  the  district  schools  he  attended  Waterford  Acad- 
emy, Erie  County,  after  which  he  engaged  in  general  farming.  Later, 
he  worked  at  the  blacksmith  trade,  and  after  several  years  became  in- 
terested in  the  coal  business.  For  a  number  of  years  Mr.  Buys  was  con- 
nected with  the  Whitman  Coal  Company,  Erie.  Since  1916  he  has  been 
an  invalid  and  confined  to  his  home  at  260  West  8th  Street. 

On  Aug.  10,  1876,  Mr.  Buys  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Marietta 
Tarbell,  a  native  of  Chicago,  111.,  and  the  daughter  of  James  and  Margaret 
(Demars)  Tarbell,  who  settled  in  Erie  County  in  1797.  The  Tarbell  family 
located  on  a  farm  in  Mill  Creek  Township  and  were  well  known  pioneers 
of  this  section.  Mrs.  Buys  has  a  brother  living,  Eugene  Tarbell,  who  re- 
sides in  Florida.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Buys  two  daughters  were  born:  Mar- 
garet, who  was  drowned  July  4,  1903,  at  the  age  of  26  years,  and  she  is 
buried  in  Erie  Cemetery;  and  Elizabeth,  who  married  B.  Emmons,  and 
she  died  June  3,  1908,  at  the  age  of  31  years,  and  is  buried  in  Erie  Ceme- 
tery. 

Politically,  Mr.  Buys  is  a  Republican.  He  and  his  wife  are  members 
of  the  Central  Presbyterian  Church  and  have  an  extensive  acquaintance 
is  Erie,  where  they  have  spent  so  many  years. 

Carl  C.  Guerrein,  one  of  Erie's  enterprising  and  successful  young  busi- 
ness men,  was  born  there  March  26,  1896,  and  is  the  son  of  Leo  and  Bar- 
bara (Fischer)  Guerrein. 

Leo  Guerrein  was  born  in  Germany  in  1868  and  came  to  this  country 
in  1892,  locating  in  Erie.  He  established  a  wholesale  cheese  business  in 
1895  at  2509  Peach  Street,  where  the  business  was  located  until  1916,  at 
which  time  it  was  moved  to  1014  Holland  Avenue.  On  December  16, 
1916,  Mr.  Guerrein  retired  from  business.  He  resides  at  2509  Peach  Street. 
Mr.  Guerrein  has  been  successful  in  his  business  undertaking  and  owns 
several  pieces  of  valuable  real  estate,  including  the  Hippodrome  Theater. 


History  of  Erie  County  835 

His  wife,  a  native  of  Sondernheim,  Germany,  died  at  the  age  of  40  years, 
leaving  six  children,  of  whom  Carl  C,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the 
oldest. 

Carl  C.  Guerrein  has  always  lived  in  Erie.  After  attending  the  public 
schools  he  engaged  in  business  with  his  father.  He  manufacturs  high 
grade  cheeses  and  besides  his  extensive  local  trade  ships  his  product  to 
Philadelphia,  Pittsburgh  and  surrounding  territory ;  he  also  imports  cheese 
and  fish  from  Europe. 

In  1917  Mr.  Guerrein  was  married  to  Miss  Edith  Margaret  Arndt,  of 
Erie,  a  daughter  of  Joseph  G.  and  Theresa  (Mangold)  Arndt,  residents  of 
Erie.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Guerrein  have  been  born  three  children:  Carl  J., 
born  January  2,  1918;  E.  Barbara,  born  March  11,  1919;  and  Virginia, 
born  February  29,  1920. 

In  politics  Mr.  Guerrein  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He 
and  his  family  are  members  of  St.  John's  Catholic  Church.  He  belongs 
to  the  Elks  lodge  and  various  other  organizations. 

C.  L.  Siegel  is  a  well  known  citizen  of  Erie  and  the  manager  of  one 
of  the  city's  old  established  businesses.  He  was  born  here,  Aug.  24,  1875, 
and  is  the  son  of  Jacob  F.  and  Margaret  (O'Brien)   Siegel. 

Jacob  F.  Siegel,  retired,  is  one  of  Erie's  pioneer  coal  dealers.  He  was 
born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  May  12,  1845,  the  son  of  Frederick  L.  and 
Katherine  (Zimmer)  Siegel.  In  1853  the  family  came  to  Erie,  where  Jacob 
F.  was  educated.  In  1890  he  entered  the  coal  business  and  by  careful 
management  was  able  to  build  up  a  splendid  business,  which  is  now  operat- 
ed by  his  son.  In  1910  Mr.  Siegel  sold  his  oil  interests  to  the  Bayerson 
Oil  Company  of  Erie.  He  now  lives  retired.  There  were  seven  children 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Siegel,  five  of  whom  are  now  living. 

C.  L.  Siegel  attended  the  Erie  schools  and  when  he  was  18  years  of 
age  entered  his  father's  employ.  He  now  conducts  the  business,  although 
his  father  maintains  his  interest  in  it.  Mr.  Siegel  carries  a  complete  line 
of  building  materials,  cement,  coal,  etc.,  and  operates  three  trucks.  The 
business  is  located  at  849  East  11th  Street. 

On  April  27,  1910,  Mr.  Siegel  was  united  in  mai-riage  with  Miss  Emma 
Vetter,  of  Erie,  and  they  have  two  children:  Charles  and  John,  both  stud- 
ents. 

Mr.  Siegel  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  Masonic  and  Elks  lodges, 
and  an  excellent  citizen  of  Erie. 


836  History  of  Erie  County 

Henry  J.  Sevin  was  a  prominent  art  dealer  for  more  than  fifty  years 
in  the  City  of  Erie.  He  was  bofn  in  this  city,  Jan.  14,  1856,  was  educated 
in  the  city  schools,  and  at  the  age  of  13  years  entered  the  business  firm 
of  his  father.  His  father,  Jacob  Theodore  Sevin,  son.  of  a  teacher,  was 
born  at  Gruenstatt,  Rhine  Bavaria,  Germany,  Oct.  28,  1812,  and  died 
Aug.  17,  1888.  His  mother,  Catherine  Albrecht,  was  born  at  Erbach, 
Hesse-Darmstadt,  Germany,  and  died  Oct.  14,  1871.  She  was  the  daughter 
of  a  cloth  manufacturer.  Both  of  Mr.  Sevin's  parents  are  buried  in  Erie 
Cemetery. 

The  Sevin  family  were  originally  French  Hugenots  and  came  from 
Orleans,  France.  To  escape  the  Catholic  persecutions  of  the  early  17th 
century  they  fled  to  Germany.  There  is  a  legend  that  up  until  this 
time  the  name  had  been  Nives,  and  that  it  was  now  written  backward  and 
spelled  Sevin  to  escape  detection.  This  is  substantiated  by  the  old  Sevin 
crest  which  bears  in  the  lower  portion  of  an  ornamental  shield,  a  cluster 
of  snow  flakes.  The  Latin  plural  of  snow  is  nives,  denoting  the  origin 
of  the  name  and  its  original  spelling. 

Jacob  T.  Sevin  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Germany  and  was 
graduated  from  the  Gymnasium,  a  school  which  corresponds  to  our  high 
school.  He  was  a  student  of  Latin  and  spoke  German,  French,  Italian, 
Spanish  and  English.  His  father  was  a  school  teacher  by  profession  and 
Jacob  also  taught  school  when  a  young  man.  Later  he  became  a  journey- 
man worker,  following  a  mechanical  and  constructive  bent  and  a  desire  to 
travel.  He  was  an  expert  wood  turner,  also  a  turner  of  metals,  horn, 
and  other  mediums.  In  1849  he  was  forced  to  "flee  Germany  because  of  his 
republican  tendencies  and  lack  of  sympathy  with  the  German  monarchy. 
He  then  came  to  the  United  States  and  to  Erie,  because  his  brother.  Dr. 
Charles  Sevin,  had  located  here  the  year  previously.  These  traits  of 
mechanical  ability,  desire  to  travel,  and  independence  of  thought  are  ap- 
parent in  his  children  and  grandchildren. 

In  1846,  three  years  before  leaving  Germany,  Jacob  Sevin  married 
Catherine  Albrecht.  Two  children  were  born  there,  Ernestine  and  Eliza- 
beth Sevin.  Ernestine  taught  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie,  was  organist 
and  choir  leader  in  St.  Paul's  German  Lutheran  Church  for  many  years, 
and  later  married  Ernest  Waeldin  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  where  she  made  her 
home  from  that  time  until  her  death  in  1923.  Elizabeth  became  a  pianist 
and  teacher  of  music.  She  did  not  marry  and  died  in  1917.  Five  more 
children  were  born  in  Erie:    Carrie  Sevin  who  married  Jacob  Eichorn  and 


HENRY   J.   SEVIX 


History  of  Erie  County  837 

who  died  in  1916;  Margaret  Sevin,  who  married  Charles  B.  Weunschel  and 
is  now  hving  at  328  West  Fifth  Street,  Erie ;  Charlotte  Sevin,  who  married 
William  S.  Sherwood  and  is  living  at  435  West  10th  Street,  Erie  (both 
Margaret  and  Charlotte  were  school  teachers  before  their  marriage). 
Charles  Theodore,  who  is  in  the  art  business  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  lives 
at  785  Ashland  Avenue;  and  Henry  J.  Sevin,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Jacob  Sevin  continued  in  Erie  his  trade  of  wood  and  metal  turning, 
making  various  articles  such  as  canes,  pipes,  and  later  picture  frames. 
This  was  the  beginning  of  the  art  business  in  this  city  and  of  Sevin's  Art 
Store.  His  first  place  of  business  was  at  Seventh  and  State  Streets,  at 
about  705  State  Street.  It  was  in  this  building  that  Henry  J.  Sevin  was 
born  in  1856.  Later  the  business  moved  just  above  Eighth  Street  on 
State,  where  the  Penn  Building  now  stands.  Here  it  remained  until  1863 
when  the  shop  was  moved  to  17  West  Seventh  Street  and  a  house  erected 
at  15  West  Seventh  Street.  In  1873  the  firm  cf  J.  T.  Sevin  and  Sons  was 
formed,  the  house  was  moved  to  the  rear,  and  the  present  building  at  15 
West  Seventh  Street  was  erected.  Here  the  sons,  Theodore  and  Henry, 
developed  the  art  business  while  their  father  conducted  a  repair  depart- 
ment at  No.  17.  By  1884  the  art  business  had  grown  considerably.  In 
this  year  the  sons  erected  a  two-story  building  at  912  State  Street,  moved 
the  art  business  there,  and  formed  the  firm  of  J.  T.  Sevin's  Sons.  Their 
father  continued  the  repair  department  at  17  West  Seventh  Street  until 
his  death  in  1888.  In  1897  another  change  took  place  when  the  firm  of 
J.  T.  Sevin's  Sons  was  dissolved  and  C.  Theodore  Sevin  moved  to  Buffalo, 
N.  Y.,  to  open  an  art  store  on  Main  Street.  In  1903  Henry  J.  Sevin 
remodeled  and  enlarged  the  building  at  15  West  Seventh  Street  and  moved 
back  to  the  old  stand.  In  August,  1924,  he  retired  from  active  business 
and  died  April  18,  1925.  The  business  is  now  being  conducted  by  his 
daughter  Gertrude  K. 

On  Oct.  19,  1881,  Henry  J.  Sevin  married  Fredericka  Mehl.  She  was 
an  Erie  girl,  having  been  born  and  reared  in  this  city.  Her  parents  came 
from  Alsasce  which  belonged  to  France  during  the  time  they  lived  there. 
Her  father,  Michael  M.  Mehl  and  her  mother,  Catherine  Witter,  were  mar- 
ried in  1834  and  had  several  sons.  Michael  Mehl  was  not  in  sympathy 
with  the  military  program  of  France  and  did  not  want  his  sons  subjected 
to  the  enforced  military  training  so  he  brought  his  family  to  America  and 
settled  in  Erie.  It  was  his  intention  to  go  farther  west  but  his  wife  had 
wearied  of  traveling  and  requested  that  they  go  no  farther,  so  they  re- 


838  History  of  Erie  County 

mained  in  Erie.  Michael  Mehl  brought  with  him  from  Strausburg  a  num- 
ber of  instruments  and  formed  the  Mehl  Band,  the  first  brass  band  in 
Erie.  His  sons  went  to  the  Civil  War  with  it.  Michael  Mehl  died  in  1880 
and  his  wife  in  1887.    They  are  buried  in  the  Erie  Cemetery. 

Of  the  children  born  to  Henry  J.  Sevin  and  wife,  Harry  Louis  Sevin 
is  now  living  in  Birmingham,  Mich.  He  is  manager  of  the  Detroit  Branch 
OflSce  of  the  Theodore  L.  Dodd  Company,  manufacturers'  agents.  In  1914 
Harry  Sevin  married  Ethel  Love  of  Hartford,  Conn.  They  have  three 
boys,  William,  Harry  Louis,  Jr.,  and  Frederic  Robert.  Gertrude  Katherine 
the  eldest  daughter,  was  graduated  from  Syracuse  University  in  1910. 
In  1911  she  was  appointed  professor  of  biology  and  head  of  that  depart- 
ment at  Agnes  Scott  College,  a  college  for  women  in  Decatur,  Ga.,  a  suburb 
of  Atlanta.  In  1915  she  returned  to  Syracuse  University  for  a  year  of 
study  and  was  granted  a  master's  degree  in  June,  1916,  and  elected  a 
member  of  Sigma  Xi,  the  national  honorary  science  society.  In  the  fall 
of  1916  she  went  to  Adelphi  College  for  women  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  where 
she  was  head  of  the  biology  department  until  June,  1923.  In  August  of 
this  year  when  her  father  retired  from  business,  his  daughter,  Gertrude, 
decided  to  give  up  her  teaching  profession  to  take  over  and  continue  the 
art  business  which  her  father  had  successfully  carried  on  for  so  many 
years.  A  younger  daughter,  Madeleine  Sevin,  was  with  her  father  in  the 
art  business  for  a  number  of  years.  In  1918  she  married  Dr.  Donald  S. 
Sterret,  the  orthodontist.  They  have  three  children,  Virginia,  David, 
and  Martha.  Two  younger  sons,  Frederic  William  and  Robert  Edward 
are  twins.  They  both  were  graduated  from  the  University  of  Michigan 
in  1917  as  mechanical  engineers.  During  the  World  War  they  served 
with  the  Curtis  Aeroplane  Corporation  as  assistants  to  the  chief  engineer. 
Frederic  W.  Sevin  is  at  present  with  the  Vacuum  Oil  Company  as  a 
lubrication  expert  working  out  of  their  Detroit  office.  Robert  E.  Sevin 
is  associated  with  the  Union  Iron  Works  of  Erie. 

Frank  Kurczewski,  steamship  and  insurance  agent,  is  among  the  en- 
terprising and  successful  business  men  of  Erie.  He  was  born  at  Engle- 
wood,  N.  J.,  Jan.  17,  1877,  and  is  a  son  of  Stanislaus  and  Agnes  (Wender- 
ski)  Kurczewski. 

Stanislaus  Kerczewski  was  born  in  Poland  in  1854  and  settled  in  New 
Jersey  in  1871.  He  was  a  successful  merchant  during  his  active  career 
and  now  lives  retired  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y.    His  wife,  also  a  native  of  Poland, 


History  of  Erie  County  839 

died  in  1898,  at  the  age  of  51  years  and  is  buried  in  Trinity  cemetery,  Erie. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kerczewski  were  the  parents  of  eleven  children,  of  whom 
Frank,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  the  oldest. 

In  1878  the  Kurczewski  family  removed  to  St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  and  ten 
years  later  settled  in  Erie.  When  a  young  boy  Frank  Kurczewski  learned 
the  cigar  making  trade,  in  which  business  he  was  engaged  for  28  years, 
being  in  the  employ  of  several  leading  cigar  manufacturers  of  Erie.  In 
1910  he  entered  the  employ  of  Lawrence  Stachowski,  at  that  time  steam- 
ship agent  of  Erie.  In  1920  Mr.  Kurczewski  purchased  the  business  which 
is  located  at  1208  Parade  Street.  He  is  also  engaged  in  the  insurance 
business,  specializing  in  fire  insurance. 

Mr.  Kurczewski  has  four  children :  Walter,  born  in  1901 ;  Edmond,  born 
in  1902 ;  Alois,  born  in  1904 ;  and  Irene,  born  in  1910. 

Mr.  Kurczewski  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  church. 

Davis  Reichbaum  is  a  progressive  and  enterprising  business  man  of 
Erie.  He  was  born  in  Russia,  Aug.  14,  1877,  and  is  the  son  of  Moses 
and  Gussie  Reichbaum. 

Moses  Reichbaum  was  born  in  Poland  in  1831  and  now  lives  there  re- 
tired. He  was  successfully  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business  until 
the  outbreak  of  the  World  War.  His  wife,  who  was  born  in  1840,  died 
in  1891,  and  was  buried  in  Poland.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reichbaum  had  seven 
children:  Marian,  Ida  and  Gussie,  all  hve  in  Poland;  Solomon,  died  in 
1920;  Abraham,  lives  in  Pittsburgh;  Alexander,  lives  in  Pittsburgh;  and 
Davis,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

At  the  age  of  15  years  Davis  Reichbaum  came  to  this  country  and 
settled  in  Pittsburgh,  where  he  engaged  in  the  salvage  and  contracting 
business  with  his  brothers.  In  1916  he  removed  his  family  to  Erie  and 
successfully  engaged  in  the  same  business  in  this  city.  On  June  23,  1924, 
Mr.  Reichbaum,  with  Edward  C.  Hanley,  opened  the  Boston  Terminal 
Parking  Station,  714  Peach  Street,  which  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most 
conveniently  located  parking  spaces  in  Erie.  The  space  is  87x180  feet. 
On  Feb.  10,  1925,  Mr.  Reichbaum  bought  Mr.  Hanley's  interests  in  the 
business.  He  also  conducts  a  gasoline  filling  station  and  has  a  special  car 
washing  machine.  Mr.  Reichbaum  has  business  interests  in  New  York 
city,  Philadelphia,  Pittsburgh,  and  Cambridge  Springs,  Pa. 

In  1896,  Mr.  Reichbaum  was  married  in  Pittsburgh  to  Miss  Anna 
Shocet,  a  native  of  that  city.    To  them  were  born  four  children:  Samuel, 


840  History  of  Erie  County 

who  has  been  with  the  Keith  Circuit  for  14  years,  and  known  as  the  popu- 
lar comedian,  "Roy  Rogers";  Doctor  Theodore,  a  veteran  of  the  World  war, 
and  a  graduate  of  the  School  of  Medicine,  Harvard  University,  now  con- 
nected with  St.  Vincent's  Hospital,  New  York  city;  Benjamin,  now  a  stud- 
ent at  a  military  academy  in  Virginia ;  and  Sidney,  a  student  at  East  High 
School,  Erie. 

Mr.  Reichbaum  is  a  member  of  the  C.  B.  S.  Congregation  Church  and 
he  belongs  to  the  B'nai  B'rith,  the  Elks  and  Moose  lodges  and  Erie  Maen- 
nerchor.  He  is  a  capable  man  who  has  achieved  marked  success  in  his 
business  undertakings. 

Charles  Edward  Royer  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War  and  a  leader 
among  the  younger  attorneys  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  Feb.  15, 
1896,  and  is  the  son  of  Charles  Edward  and  Joanna  (Carney)  Royer. 

Charles  Edward  Royer,  deceased,  was  born  at  Waterford,  Pa.,  Oct. 
26,  1849,  and  died  March  28,  1917.  He  was  employed  by  the  Erie  Forge 
Company  for  a  number  of  years  as  a  draftsman  and  was  highly  esteemed 
in  the  city.  He  was  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church,  a 
fourth  degree  Knight  of  Columbus,  and  belonged  to  the  Royal  Arcanum 
and  the  C.  M.  B.  A.  He  was  married  Sept.  26,  1882,  to  Miss  Joanna  Car- 
ney, who  was  born  in  Erie,  Aug.  28,  1859,  the  daughter  of  John  C.  and 
Mary  (Crowley)  Carney,  natives  of  Ireland  and  early  settlers  of  Erie. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Royer  two  children  were  born:  Ellen  Josephine,  born 
Nov.  6,  1884,  married  John  Henry  Coon,  of  Buffalo,  now  of  Baltimore, 
Md.  She  is  a  graduate  of  Villa  Maria  Academy,  Erie ;  and  Charles  Edward 
Royer,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Joanna  Carney  Royer  was  educated  in  the  parochial  schools  of  Erie 
and  has  been  identified  with  the  L.  C.  B.  A.  since  its  organization  in  1890. 
It  was  the  first  fraternal  insurance  society  organized  for  Catholic  women 
in  the  world  and  from  the  time  of  its  organization  in  1890,  Mrs.  Royer 
has  served  continuously  as  Supreme  Recorder.  In  that  year  she  was  a 
delegate  to  the  first  convention  held  at  Titusville,  Pa.  The  society  now 
has  1,300  branches  throughout  the  United  States  and  Canada,  with  head- 
quarters in  Erie.  Mrs.  Royer  is  a  member  of  St.  Peter's  Catholic  Church 
and  belongs  to  the  Women's  Club.  Elbert  Hubbard  referred  to  Mrs. 
Royer  as  being  one  of  the  12  leading  business  women  of  the  world. 

Charles  Edward  Royer  attended  the  parochial  and  public  schools 
of  Erie  and  was  graduated  from  Central  High  School  in  1914,  from  George 


CHARLES   EDWARD   ROVER 


History  of  Erie  County  841 

Washington  University  in  1920  with  A.  B.  degree,  and  from  the  Law- 
School  of  Georgetown  University  in  1921  with  the  degree  of  LL.B.  The 
following  year  he  received  the  degree  of  LL.M.  He  was  admitted  to  the 
Bar  of  the  Supreme  Court  and  Court  of  Appeals  of  the  District  of  Colum- 
bia in  1921,  to  the  Erie  County  Bar  in  1922,  to  the  Supreme  Court  of 
Pennsylvania  in  1923,  to  the  Superior  Court  of  Pennsylvania  in  1923,  and 
to  the  U.  S.  Federal  Court  of  the  Western  District  of  Pennsylvania  in 
1924.  On  Aug.  1,  1922,  Mr.  Royer  established  his  office  in  the  Marine 
Bank  Building. 

Mr.  Pioyer  enlisted  in  the  Quartermaster's  Corps,  U.  S.  Army  in 
August,  1917,  and  later  transferred  to  the  33rd  Artillery,  11th  Division. 
He  served  with  this  outfit  until  his  discharge,  Dec.  11,  1918.  He  now 
holds  the  commission  of  second  lieutenant  in  the  Field  Artillery,  Officers' 
Reserve  Corps.  He  is  a  member  of  the  American  Legion  and  the  Societe 
des  40  Hommes  et  8  Chevaux. 

Mr.  Royer  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  County  Bar  Association,  the 
University  Club,  the  Erie  Golf  Club,  Knights  of  Columbus,  and  Sigma  Nu 
Phi  Fraternity  (legal). 

Kendall  R.  Morrison,  justice  of  the  peace  and  leading  real  estate  opei-a- 
tor  of  Wesleyville,  was  born  in  Cameron  County,  Pa.,  Oct.  20,  1861,  and 
is  the  son  of  Robert  H.  and  Alzina  (Bliss)  Morrison. 

Robert  H.  Morrison  was  a  native  of  Genesee  County,  N.  Y.,  born  in 
1834.  He  engaged  in  the  lumbering  business  in  Cameron  County,  Pa., 
for  many  years  and  died  in  1911.  His  wife  died  in  1901.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Morrison  six  children  were  born. 

Kendall  R.  Morrison  grew  up  in  Emporium  and  attended  the  schools 
there.  At  the  age  of  19  years  he  learned  telegraphy  and  three  years  later 
engaged  in  the  lumber  business  with  his  father.  He  was  a  bookkeeper 
for  15  years  for  Hall,  Gardner  &  Company,  in  Elk  County,  Pa.,  after  which 
he  served  in  the  same  capacity  for  the  West  Hickory  (Pa.)  Tannery  Com- 
pany for  11  years.  In  1920  Mr.  Morrison  removed  to  Wesleyville  and 
after  clerking  for  three  years  for  the  Frask,  Prescott  &  Richardson  Com- 
pany, he  became  interested  in  the  real  estate  business.  In  May,  1923,  he 
was  appointed  justice  of  the  peace.  Mr.  Morrison  handles  insurance,  also, 
and  is  considered  a  reliable  business  man. 

On  July  21,  1883,  Mr.  Morrison  was  married  at  Wilcox,  Pa.,  to  Miss 
Annie  Cook,  and  to  them  have  been  born  nine  children,  as  follows:  Laura 


842  History  of  Erie  County 

May,  married  Ezra  H.  Webb,  lives  in  Ontario,  Canada;  Nellie  Mary,  mar- 
ried W.  0.  Hazelton,  foreman  in  the  General  Electric  plant,  Erie ;  Edward 
K.,  lives  in  Wesleyville,  is  also  connected  with  the  General  Electric  Com- 
pany; Robert  H.,  insurance  agent,  lives  in  Erie;  Lena,  a  demonstrator  at 
the  Boston  Store,  Erie,  lives  at  home;  Anna  I.,  at  home;  Gerald  E.,  mar- 
ried Mary  Bertram,  and  he  is  also  employed  at  the  General  Electric  Com- 
pany, Erie;  Verna  Belle,  at  home;  and  Ethel,  a  high  school  student. 
Mr.  Morrison  is  a  member  of  the  Free  Methodist  Church  of  Erie. 

George  Allen  Miller,  authorized  dealer  for  the  Hupmobile  and  Gray 
automobiles,  ranks  among  the  leading  business  men  of  Erie.  He  was  born 
there  Jan.  1,  1891,  and  is  the  son  of  Allen  and  Susan  (Wiley)  Miller. 

Allen  Miller  was  born  in  Ireland  in  1852  and  came  to  this  country 
when  a  young  man.  He  settled  in  Erie  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  of 
a  moulder  and  later  as  a  machinist.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Miller,  who  now  live 
retired  in  Erie,  are  the  parents  of  four  children,  of  whom  George  Allen,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch,  is  the  youngest. 

George  Allen  Miller  was  reared  and  educated  in  Erie  and  when  he  was 
14  years  old  learned  the  pattern  making  trade,  being  the  first  apprentice 
ever  hired  by  the  General  Electric  Company  there.  Several  years  later 
Mr.  Miller  became  a  plumber  and  glazer.  His  first  automobile  experience 
was  with  the  Keystone  Sales  Agency.  During  the  World  War  he  enlisted 
with  the  111th  Regiment,  28th  Division,  and  was  later  transferred  from 
the  infantry  to  the  regimental  band.  After  two  years  service  he  returned 
to  Erie  and  entered  the  employ  of  the  Meyers  Motor  Sales  Company, 
Chevrolet  dealers.  He  was  later  appointed  sales  manager  of  the  Watson 
&  Peck  Agency,  and  for  the  past  year  has  had  the  agency  for  the  Hupmo- 
bile and  Gray  cars.  His  place  of  business  is  located  at  21  West  21st 
Street,  and  is  among  the  up  to  date  agencies  and  garages  of  the  city. 

On  April  18,  1923,  Mr.  Miller  was  married  to  Miss  Ruth  Allison,  the 
daughter  of  Charles  and  Myrtle  Allison,  of  Erie.  They  have  one  son, 
George  Allison,  born  March  2,  1924. 

Mr.  Miller  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Wayne  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  and  Elks  lodges,  the  Kiwanis 
club,  and  the  Loyal  Order  of  Moose. 

The  Miller  Orchestra  was  organized  by  Mr.  Miller  in  1906  and  was 
composed  of  members  of  his  high  school  class.  It  now  has  20  members 
and  is  considered  one  of  Erie's  leading  orchestras. 


History  of  Erie  County  843 

E.  J.  Morton,  retired  city  engineer,  is  among  Erie's  prominent  and  in- 
fluential citizens.  He  was  born  in  London,  Eng.,  April  6,  1847,  and  is  a 
son  of  John  and  Emma  (Haddan)  Morton. 

John  Morton,  deceased,  spent  his  entire  life  in  London,  and  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  published  the  London  Gazette.  There  were  seven  children 
in  the  Morton  family,  of  whom  E.  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  the 
oldest. 

At  the  age  of  15  years  E.  J.  Morton  came  to  the  United  States  and 
settled  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  Later  he  came  to  Erie,  making  the  entire  trip 
on  foot.  Here  he  studied  engineering  in  the  offices  of  Gray  &  Sherman. 
Mr.  Morton  was  connected  with  the  city  engineering  department  for  about 
30  years.    He  lives  at  708  West  10th  Street. 

On  Sept.  16,  1877,  Mr.  Morton  was  married  to  Miss  Elvira  Masters, 
a  native  of  Clarion  County,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  Johnathan  and  Hannah 
(Richenbrode)  Masters,  both  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morton  have  four 
children:  Daisy  Emma,  married  J.  Hogan,  inventor  of  the  Trojan  Wash- 
ing Machine,  lives  in  Erie;  Edna,  lives  in  New  York  city,  where  she  is 
connected  with  the  Lee  Tire  &  Rubber  Company ;  Henry  Edgar,  lives  in 
Erie,  where  he  has  been  connected  with  the  city  water  department  for  22 
years ;  and  Grace,  private  secretary  of  Charles  Strong,  Erie. 

Mr.  Morton  is  a  Republican  and  a  member  of  the  First  Methodist 
Church.    He  is  one  of  Erie's  well  known  and  representative  citizens. 

L.  T.  Rossiter  is  a  prominent  citizen  of  Erie,  where  he  is  successfully 
engaged  in  the  real  estate  and  insurance  business.  He  was  born  in  Phila- 
delphia, June  24,  1863,  and  is  a  son  of  James  P.  and  Eliza  (McCusker) 
Rossiter. 

James  P.  Rossiter  was  a  native  of  Philadelphia,  born  in  1838.  He  was 
a  distiller  and  engaged  in  the  wholesale  liquor  business  during  his  entire 
life.  He  died  in  Philadelphia  in  1898,  and  his  wife  died  there  in  1871. 
They  were  the  parents  of  five  children. 

L.  T.  Rossiter  spent  his  boyhood  in  Philadelphia  and  was  educated 
in  the  public  schools  there.  When  17  years  of  age  he  became  an  apprentice 
to  a  ship's  smith,  and  worked  at  that  trade  continuously  for  12  years, 
after  which  he  became  interested  in  the  insurance  business  in  Philadelphia. 
Mr.  Rossiter  represented  the  Metropolitan  Life  Insurance  Company  and 
the  New  York  Life  Insurance  Company  for  21  years,  and  in  1902  removed 
to  Erie,  where  he  became  local  superintendent  of  the  Metropolitan  Life 


844  History  of  Erie  County 

Insurance  Company.  In  1910  he  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business,  spe- 
ciahzing  in  residence  property.  Mr.  Rossiter's  offices  are  in  the  Penn 
building. 

On  Dec.  28,  1886,  Mr.  Rossiter  was  married  at  Philadelphia  to  Miss 
Elizabeth  Griffin  of  that  city.  To  them  were  born  seven  children:  Helen, 
married  L.  F.  O'Brien,  lives  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  they  have  three  chil- 
dren, Rita,  Louis  F.,  and  Helen  Marie;  James  P.,  a  graduate  of  George- 
town University,  and  a  veteran  of  the  World  War,  having  served  as  a 
lieutenant  in  the  artillery,  now  practicing  law  in  Erie;  Louis  T.,  Jr.,  also 
a  World  War  veteran,  engaged  in  business  with  his  father;  May  T.,  lives 
in  Erie;  Ruth  A.,  a  student  at  the  University  of  Philadelphia;  Elizabeth, 
married  Harry  Harvey,  lives  in  Erie;  and  Marion  C,  lives  in  Erie. 

Politically,  Mr.  Rossiter  is  a  Democrat.  He  is  a  member  of  St.  Peter's 
Catholic  Church  and  is  among  the  dependable  business  men  of  his  com- 
munity. 

Richard  E.  Ford,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  insurance  and 
bond  business,  is  a  member  of  one  of  Erie's  most  prominent  pioneer  fami- 
lies. He  was  born  there  July  16,  1881,  and  is  the  son  of  the  late  Jerry 
and  Catherine  (Lang)  Ford. 

Jerry  Ford  and  the  Erie  Herald  grew  up  together.  He  printed  the 
first  newspaper  in  July,  1878,  and  with  very  few  exceptions  got  out  every 
issue  until  the  last  day  of  June,  1918,  when  his  active  career  ceased. 
Mr.  Ford  was  born  in  Bristol,  England,  in  1854,  where  his  parents  had 
moved  from  County  Cork,  Ireland,  on  their  way  to  America.  He  arrived 
in  this  country  at  the  age  of  three  months.  He  learned  the  printer's 
trade  under  John  Bayliss  of  Philadelphia  on  the  Erie  Republican.  At  the 
age  of  15  years  he  worked  on  the  Erie  Dispatch,  and  later  went  to  Cleve- 
land, and  from  there  to  Pittsburgh,  where  he  was  employed  by  James  Bul- 
lock, the  inventor  of  the  Webb  press,  which  revolutionized  the  newspaper 
printing  business.  Later  he  worked  for  Walter  Scott,  inventor  of  the 
Scott  press,  and  later  was  associated  with  Elder  Goss,  who  also  became 
a  great  manufacturer  of  printing  presses,  and  whose  machine  Mr.  Ford 
operated  during  the  last  ten  years  of  his  life.  His  next  position  was  as 
an  expert  with  the  Campbell  Press  Company  of  New  York  City,  placing 
machinery,  and  also  served  as  a  factory  inspector.  During  this  time  his 
parents  lived  in  Erie  and  while  on  one  of  his  frequent  visits  there,  his 
mother  persuaded  him  to  locate  in  Erie,  which  he  did.  His  first  work  was 
to  move  a  press  for  the  Lake  Shore  Visitor,  owned  by  Father  Casey  and 


RICHARD  E.    FORD 


History  of  Erie  County  845 

Bishop  Mullen.  He  operated  this  press  for  some  time,  after  which  he 
began  the  publication  of  the  Erie  Herald.  The  first  copy  was  printed  in 
the  basement  of  the  old  Lafayette  Hotel  on  French  Street,  between 
Fourth  and  Fifth  Streets.  The  press  was  later  moved  to  the  basement  of 
the  Scott  Building,  and  when  the  present  building  at  State  and  10th 
Streets  was  occupied,  Mr.  Ford  superintended  the  moving  of  the  machin- 
ery without  missing  an  edition  of  the  paper.  At  that  time  he  was  super- 
intendent of  the  printing  department  and  for  some  time  it  was  the  largest 
printing  concern  between  New  York  City  and  Chicago. 

Mr.  Ford  died  on  Nov.  16,  1918.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Typo- 
graphical Union  and  a  charter  member  of  the  Pressmen  Union  and  one  of 
the  delegates  to  the  first  convention.  He  served  as  president  of  the  local 
chapter  in  1878.  Mr.  Ford's  widow  still  resides  in  the  old  homestead  in 
Erie.  They  were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  liv- 
ing, as  follows:  Mrs.  John  A.  Becker,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  in  this 
history;  Richard  E.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Everett  J.,  employed 
on  the  Erie  Dispatch-Herald;  and  Miss  Ruth  E.,  a  nationally  famed  con- 
tralto, now  singing  in  concert.  Those  deceased  are  Mary  A.,  Zetta,  Jerry 
W.,  Harry  L.,  Lottie,  and  John  Seymour. 

Mr.  Ford  was  a  life-long  Democrat  and  president  of  the  first  ward 
Democratic  Club,  which  was  a  power  in  city  politics  in  the  early  nineties. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Education.  He  was  a  member  of  St. 
Patrick's  Catholic  Church,  but  was  later  identified  with  St.  Peter's  Cath- 
edral congregation. 

Richard  E.  Ford  received  his  education  in  Erie,  where  he  has  always 
lived.  In  1913  he  became  interested  in  the  insurance  and  real  estate  busi- 
ness and  was  located  at  1120  State  Street,  where  he  remained  until  1920. 
He  now  has  oflSces  in  the  Marine  National  Bank  Building,  where  he  carries 
on  a  large  volume  of  business  in  insurance  and  bonds. 

On  Aug.  21,  1906,  Mr.  Ford  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Helen 
Retzbach,  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  Edmund  and  Barbara  (Anthony) 
Retzbach,  natives  of  Germany  and  leading  pioneer  citizens  of  Erie,  hav- 
ing come  here  in  1869.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ford  the  following  children  have 
been  born:  Helen,  died  at  the  age  of  four  years;  Natalie,  a  student  in 
Academy  High  School;  Virginia  and  Richard  Jerry. 

Mr.  Ford  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  St.  James  Catholic  Church,  and 
belongs  to  the  Elks  and  Eagle  lodges,  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  the  Cham- 
ber of  Commerce,  and  the  Erie  Motor  Club.  He  is  an  enterprising  and 
prominent  business  man  of  Erie. 


846  History  of  Erie  County 

William  F.  Egan.  One  of  the  citizens  of  Erie  who  has  made  his  own 
way  and  built  up  a  substantial  business  by  his  own  initiative  and  enter- 
prise is  William  F.  Egan,  owner  of  the  American  Heating  and  Plumbing 
Company.  He  was  born  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  25,  1889,  and  is  the  son 
of  Fred  W.  and  Margaret  (Cantillion)   Egan. 

Thomas  Egan,  grandfather  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  migrated 
from  Ireland  to  Canada  in  1835  and  settled  at  Hamilton,  Ont.  He  served 
throughout  the  Civil  War  with  the  Union  Army  and  died  at  the  age  of 
89  years,  while  serving  the  government  at  Washington,  D.  C.  His  son, 
Fred  W.,  was  born  in  Ontario,  Canada.  He  has  been  interested  in  the 
plumbing  and  heating  business  during  his  entire  life  and  now  lives  retired 
at  Jamestown,  Pa.  In  1915  Mr.  Egan  settled  in  Erie  and  with  his  son 
established  the  present  business.  Margaret  (Cantillion)  Egan,  also  a  native 
of  Canada,  is  now  deceased. 

William  F.  Egan  attended  the  schools  of  Pittsburgh  and  at  an  early 
age  became  interested  in  the  plumbing  and  heating  business.  He  spe- 
cializes in  the  installation  of  heating  plants,  as  well  as  the  plumbing  for 
same. 

On  Feb.  8,  1910,  Mr.  Egan  was  married  at  Washington,  D.  C,  to  Miss 
Mabel  Clara  Hammers,  of  Bellevue,  Pa.  They  have  three  children:  Fred, 
born  in  1912;  Clyde,  born  In  1913;  and  Perry,  born  in  1916. 

Mr.  Egan  and  his  family  hold  membership  in  St.  Paul's  Episcopal 
Church  and  he  belongs  to  the  Masonic  and  Elk  lodges  and  the  Chamber 
of  Commerce. 

Albert  Veil  is  among  the  prominent  pioneer  business  men  of  Erie, 
where  he  has  engaged  in  the  restaurant  business  for  many  years.  He 
was  born  in  this  city,  Oct.  8,  1865,  and  is  the  son  of  Tobias  and  Anna 
Elizabeth  (Hoffman)  Veit. 

Tobias  Veit  was  a  native  of  Neupfoltz,  Bavaria,  where  he  was  born 
Dec.  6,  1828.  He  worked  on  his  father's  farm  until  1848,  when  he  came 
to  the  United  States,  locating  in  Erie  in  October  of  that  year.  He  was  em- 
ployed as  a  moulder  at  several  foundries  in  Erie  until  1888,  when  he  pur- 
chased Jacob  Kaltenbach's  restaurant.  He  continued  the  business  until 
May,  1894,  when  it  was  purchased  by  his  sons,  Albert  and  Bernard.  Mr. 
Veit  was  married  in  November,  1851,  to  Anna  Elizabeth  Hoffman,  daugh- 
ter of  Adam  Hoffman,  also  of  Neupfoltz,  Bavaria.  Mr.  Veit  died  in  1917 
and  is  buried  in  Trinity  cemetery,  Erie.    His  wife  is  also  deceased.    They 


History  of  Erie  County  847 

had  five  children:  Albert,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Bernard,  deceased, 
was  elected  mayor  of  Erie  in  1915,  but  died  before  beginning  his  term  of 
office ;  Maggie,  married  Peter  Leiss ;  Teckla,  the  widow  of  Louis  Knaf ;  and 
Lena,  married  Patrick  Foley. 

Albert  Veit  has  always  lived  in  Erie.  After  attending  the  public 
schools  he  engaged  in  the  restaurant  business  with  his  father,  in  which 
he  has  since  been  successfully  engaged.  His  restaurant  is  located  at  154 
East  18th  Street. 

On  July  30,  1918,  Mr.  Veit  was  married  to  Miss  Marie  Oehnnestteter, 
a  native  of  France.    They  have  no  children. 

Mr.  Veit  is  a  member  of  St.  Mary's  Catholic  Church  and  belongs  to  the 
Elks  and  Eagles  lodges. 

Alfred  P.  Lang  is  among  the  highly  esteemed  and  well  known  resi- 
dents of  Erie,  where  he  has  spent  practically  his  entire  life.  He  was 
born  at  Girard,  Pa.,  Sept.  20,  1868,  and  is  the  son  of  Jacob  and  Mary 
(Weiblein)  Lang. 

Jacob  Lang  and  his  wife  were  natives  of  Germany.  He  settled  in 
Girard,  Pa.,  many  years  ago  and  conducted  a  meat  market  there  until 
1874,  when  he  removed  to  Erie  and  engaged  in  the  same  business.  He 
died  in  October,  1890,  at  the  age  of  48  years  and  his  wife,  a  daughter 
of  Gotleib  Weiblein,  died  in  1890  also.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lang  had  four  chil- 
dren: Alfred  P.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Ollie,  wife  of  E.  Smith,  lives  in 
Erie;  Oscar  was  killed  in  a  railroad  accident  while  in  the  employ  of  the 
New  York  Central  Railroad  as  a  conductor;  and  Fredericka,  twin  sister  of 
Oscar,  married  W.  W.  Johnson,  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  she  is  deceased. 

Alfred  P.  Lang  was  six  years  of  age  when  his  parents  removed  to 
Erie,  and  he  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  here.  He  engaged  in  busi- 
ness with  his  father  for  a  number  of  years,  later  he  became  interested 
in  the  summer  resort  business  at  Four  Mile  Creek,  and  in  1907  entered 
the  employ  of  the  Erie  Street  Railway  Company  as  a  motorman.  Since 
1912  he  has  served  as  an  inspector  for  this  company.  He  lives  at  1841 
East  Lake  Road. 

On  June  26,  1890,  Mr.  Lang  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Addie 
Little,  of  Mill  Creek,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Lan- 
don)  Little.  To  them  were  born  five  children,  as  follows:  Mary  E. .mar- 
ried Stephen  Schimeck,  and  she  died  at  the  age  of  25  years,  in  1916,  leaving 
a  daughter,  Melverta;  Alfred,  Jr.,  died  in  1916,  while  serving  in  the  U.  S. 


848  History  of  Erie  County 

Navy,  in  the  Chelsea  Hospital,  Boston,  Mass. ;  Ethel,  married  Ernest 
Forest,  lives  in  Erie,  and  has  four  children,  Ernest,  Gladys,  Melvia,  and 
Betty  Mae ;  Emory,  married  Josephine  Childs,  lives  in  Erie,  and  they  have 
two  children,  Alfred  and  Norma;  and  Lavina,  born  in  1912,  a  student  at 
East  High  School,  Erie. 

Politically,  Mr.  Lang  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Lutheran 
church,  and  belongs  to  the  Elks  and  Moose  lodges,  the  Woodmen  of  the 
World,  Maccabees,  East  Erie  Turners  and  the  Eagles. 

Joseph  M.  Schilling,  a  member  of  the  State  Legislature,  ranks  among 
the  prominent  and  influential  citizens  of  Erie.  He  was  born  at  Ashland, 
Pa.,  Aug.  25,  1881,  and  is  the  son  of  John  B.  and  Carolina  (Schodt) 
Schilling. 

John  B.  Schilling  was  born  at  New  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  March  25,  1856, 
and  his  wife  was  a  native  of  Ashland,  Pa.,  born  in  1858.  He  died  in  1898. 
During  his  life  Mr.  Schilling  worked  at  his  trade  as  carpenter  and  was 
later  a  member  of  the  police  force.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schilling  the  follow- 
ing children  were  born :  Harry,  lives  at  Spokane,  Wash. ;  Mary,  mar- 
ried Joseph  F.  George,  lives  at  1407  Morse  Avenue,  Erie ;  Frederick  G., 
man-led  Mabel  Gussman,  lives  at  6131/4  East  11th  Street,  Erie;  Caroline, 
married  Daniel  F.  Layden,  lives  at  2521  Reed  Street,  Erie;  John,  lives 
at  2521  Reed  Street,  Erie ;  Elizabeth,  married  T.  J.  Keady,  lives  at  Law- 
ton,  Okla. ;  Madaline,  married  Thomas  F.  Canavan,  lives  at  206  East 
Fourth  Street,  Erie;  and  Joseph  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Joseph  M.  Schilling  began  his  business  career  in  the  coal  mines  of 
Pennsylvania  as  a  slate  picker.  He  attended  the  public  schools  of  Ash- 
land, Pa.,  and  later  learned  the  machinist's  trade  in  the  employ  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad.  He  was  also  a  clerk  for  the  C.  S.  Marks  &  Com- 
pany for  six  years.  In  1916  Mr.  Schilling  was  made  manager  and  secre- 
tary of  the  Fraternal  Order  of  Eagles  No.  282,  in  which  capacity  he  served 
as  manager  until  1922.    He  is  now  secretary. 

In  1918  Mr.  Schilling  was  elected  to  the  Pennsylvania  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives and  has  served  four  terms  of  two  years  each,  having  been 
elected  every  two  years  on  the  Democratic  and  Republican  tickets. 

On  June  23,  1902,  Mr.  Schilling  married  Miss  Mary  Barbara  Johannes, 
a  native  of  Erie,  born  Oct.  27,  1881,  and  the  daughter  of  Adam  and  Mary 
(Straub)  Johannes,  residents  of  Erie.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schilling  two 
children  were  born:     Marie  C,  married  in  February,   1923,  to  Edward 


JOSEPH    lyi.    SCHILI.IXG 


History  of  Erie  County  S49 

Senger,  and  they  have  a  son,  Joseph  J.  Senger;  and  Joseph  J.,  born  Nov. 
11,  1904,  a  student  at  Notre  Dame  University. 

Mr.  Schilling  and  his  family  hold  membership  in  the  Catholic  Church 
and  he  is  identified  with  the  following  clubs  and  lodges:  Fraternal  Order 
of  Eagles,  No.  282,  Erie,  of  which  he  is  secretary,  deputy  grand  presi- 
dent for  eight  years,  and  state  president  for  1924-5;  Knights  of  Columb- 
bus.  No.  278 ;  Elks,  No.  67,  Erie ;  Loyal  Order  of  Moose,  No.  66,  Erie ;  Erie 
Maennerchor;  Fraternal  Order  of  Orioles  of  Erie;  East  Erie  Turners; 
South  Erie  Turners;  Star  Athletic  Club;  Siebenburger  Singing  Society 
and  the  Cascade  Park  Club,  and  the  Erie  Arbeiter  Singing  Society. 

Benjamin  F.  Chambers,  vice  president  of  the  Bank  of  Wesleyville,  is 
a  member  of  a  prominent  pioneer  family  of  Erie  Conuty,  and  the  owner 
of  one  of  the  valuable  old  homesteads  in  this  section.  He  was  born  on 
this  farm,  March  19,  1873,  and  is  the  son  of  Cassius  M.  and  Maria  (Fun- 
ston)  Chambers. 

Cassius  M.  Chambers  was  born  in  Harbor  Creek  Township,  July  1, 
1845,  and  died  July  1,  1915.  He  was  the  son  of  Benjamin  Chambers,  who 
was  born  in  Chambersburg,  Pa.,  and  who  in  1802  removed  to  Harbor 
Creek  Township,  Erie  County,  with  his  parents,  Ezekiel  and  Rebecca  (Cus- 
tard) Chambers.  Here  he  was  married  to  Philanda  Sewell,  who  was  born 
in  Rome,  N.  Y.,  in  1807.  In  1852  they  removed  to  the  present  Chambers 
homestead  now  owned  by  Benjamin  F.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Cassius  M.  Chambers  followed  general  farming  and  fruit  growing  dur- 
ing his  entire  life  and  met  with  marked  success.  He  was  married  on  Dec. 
10,  1869,  to  Miss  Maria  Funston,  a  cousin  of  General  Funston,  who  was 
born  in  DeWitt,  N.  Y.,  and  the  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Maria  E.  (Hamil- 
ton) Funston,  from  Connecticut.  The  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Chambers  were :  Jessie,  married  Wilford  Bliley,  lives  at  Wesleyville,  Pa. ; 
Benjamin  F.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Clara  B.,  married  W.  0.  Smith, 
Uves  in  Erie;  and  one  child  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Cassius  M.  Chambers 
lives  just  across  the  road  from  her  son,  Benjamin  F. 

Benjamin  F.  Chambers  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Wes- 
leyville and  Harbor  Creek  and  attended  Erie  Business  College.  When  a 
young  man  he  engaged  in  business  in  Erie,  where  he  conducted  a  bicycle 
shop  for  several  years.  Later,  he  returned  to  the  old  homestead,  where 
he  has  since  remained.  He  has  dealt  in  real  estate  extensively  and  is  also 
vice-president  of  the  Bank  of  Wesleyville,  which  was  organized  in  1920. 
(54) 


850  History  of  Erie  County 

The  officers  are:  R.  W.  Sapper,  president;  Benjamin  F.  Chambers,  vice- 
president  ;  and  M.  Carlson,  cashier.  Since  its  organization  its  capital  stock 
has  been  increased  from  $25,000  to  §50,000  and  its  surplus  from  $5,000  to 
$10,000. 

On  March  25,  1902,  Mr.  Chambers  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Clara  L.  Kern,  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  Charles  and  Louise  (Smith) 
Kern.  Mr.  Kern  now  resides  in  Erie,  Pa.  His  wife  died  Jan.  18,  1900.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Chambers  have  four  children:  Benjamin  F.,  Jr.,  a  student  at 
Western  Reserve  Academy;  Donald,  Robert  and  Anna. 

Mr.  Chambers  has  been  a  life  long  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Methodist  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Elks  lodge.  He  is  a  public  spirited 
citizen  and  holds  the  high  regard  of  all  who  know  him. 

John  E.  O'Brien,  who  is  connected  with  the  O'Brien  Printing  Company, 
Erie,  was  born  in  this  city,  June  14,  1884,  and  is  the  son  of  John  J.  and 
Mary  (Kinney)  O'Brien. 

John  J.  O'Brien,  founder  of  the  O'Brien  Printing  Company  in  1386, 
was  born  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  in  1860.  At  the  age  of  ten  years  his  parents 
removed  to  Erie,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life.  When  a  young 
man  he  learned  the  printer's  trade  and  established  the  business  now  con- 
tinued by  his  sons.  He  died  in  1919  and  his  wife,  a  native  of  Brooklyn, 
N.  Y.,  died  in  1918,  at  the  age  of  59  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  O'Brien  had 
five  children:  John  E.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Mrs.  W.  C.  Quirk,  lives 
in  Erie;  Edna  D.,  hves  in  Erie;  Rose  C,  lives  in  Erie;  and  Paul  M.,  lives 
in  Erie,  mention  of  whom  is  made  below. 

John  E.  O'Brien  was  reared  and  educated  in  Erie.  He  and  his  brother 
Paul  M.,  are  now  owners  of  the  printing  business,  which  ranks  among  the 
leading  concerns  of  its  kind  in  the  city.  They  specialize  in  general  job 
printing.    The  place  of  business  is  located  at  426  French  Street. 

On  Oct.  26,  1921,  Mr.  O'Brien  was  married  to  Miss  Gertrude  Murphy, 
of  Erie,  and  a  daughter  of  Nicholas  and  Catherine  (Slattery)  Murphy. 

Mr.  O'Brien  is  a  member  of  the  CathoHc  Church,  and  belongs  to  the 
Chamber  of  Commerce  and  Elks  lodge.  He  is  a  substantial  citizen  of 
Erie,  who  by  inheritance  and  training  is  energetic  and  capable. 

Paul  M.  O'Brien  was  married  Nov.  4,  1915,  to  Hazel  C.  Noble,  of  Erie, 
and  a  daughter  of  Fred  D.  and  Belle  (Rice)  Noble.  Mr.  Noble  died  Dec.  2, 
1924,  and  his  wife  resides  in  Erie.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Paul  M.  O'Brien  have  a 
son,  Paul  M.  Jr.,  born  in  1917. 


History  of  Erie  County  851 

Orson  J.  Graham  is  a  prominent  young  attorney  of  Erie  and  a  veteran 
of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  at  Oil  City,  Pa.,  May  20,  1894,  and  is  a 
son  of  Lyman  L.  and  Nettie  (Barnes)  Graham. 

Lyman  L.  Graham  was  born  at  Lincolnville,  Crawford  County,  Pa. 
He  spent  a  number  of  years  in  Meadville  and  in  1889  removed  to  Oil  City, 
engaging  in  the  oil  business  and  in  1890  became  affiliated  with  the  South 
Penn  Oil  Company.  In  1908  he  became  the  head  of  the  Lease,  Title  and 
Claim  Department  and  later  became  vice-president  of  the  United  Natural 
Gas  Company.  Mr.  Graham  retired  from  business  in  January,  1925.  He 
lives  at  Meadville,  Pa.  Nettie  Barnes  Graham  was  a  native  of  Mead- 
ville. She  died  at  the  age  of  46  years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Graham  the  fol- 
lowing children  were  born:  Wallace  Frederick,  died  at  the  age  of  14 
years;  Orson  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Mortimer  Elliott,  who  com- 
pleted a  law  course  in  Philadelphia,  in  June,  1925,  and  then  began  the 
practice  of  law  in  Erie;  and  Constance  Virginia,  a  student  at  Milwaukee- 
Downer  College.  After  the  death  of  his  first  wife,  Mr.  Graham  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Sarah  Counselman,  a  native  of  Crawford  County,  Pa. 

Orson  J.  Graham  is  the  grandson  of  James  Graham,  one  of  Crawford 
County's  most  prominent  citizens.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  edu- 
cated in  the  public  schools  of  Oil  City  and  was  graduated  from  Allegheny 
College  in  1915,  and  from  the  Law  School  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl- 
vania in  1919.  He  has  since  been  identified  with  the  law  firm  of  Gunnison, 
Fish,  Gifford  &  Chapin,  one  of  the  most  prominent  law  firms  in  the  city. 
On  Sept.  28,  1921,  Mr.  Graham  was  appointed  United  States  Commissioner 
by  the  District  Courts  of  the  United  States  for  the  Western  District  of 
Western  Pennsylvania,  and  served  in  this  capacity  until  January,  1924, 
when  he  was  appointed  First  Assistant  District  Attorney  of  Erie  County. 

Two  weeks  after  the  outbreak  of  the  World  War,  Mr.  Graham  enlisted 
in  the  reserve  officers  corps  at  Fort  Niagara,  N.  Y.,  and  on  Aug.  15,  1917, 
was  commissioned  first  lieutenant  and  assigned  to  duty  with  Company  I, 
315th  Infantry,  79th  Division,  which  trained  at  Camp  Meade,  Md.  He 
was  sent  overseas  in  July,  1918,  and  took  part  in  the  final  engagements 
of  the  war.  While  in  action  on  Sept.  28,  1918,  he  was  gassed  and  sent  to 
a  base  hospital,  where  he  was  confined  until  Nov.  25,  1918.  He  was  dis- 
charged from  service,  Jan.  5,  1919. 

In  1920,  Mr.  Graham  was  married  to  Miss  Louise  Renner,  of  Cambridge 
Springs,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  Peter  and  Clara  (Cummings)  Renner. 
Mr.  Renner  is  deceased  and  his  wife  resides  in  Erie.    She  has  two  daugh- 


852  History  of  Erie  County 

ters,  Mrs.  Graham  and  Dorothy,  who  married  Frederick  St.  Clair,  and 
they  live  in  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Mrs.  Graham  was  graduated  from  Milwau- 
kee-Downer College  in  1914  and  before  her  marriage  taught  music  in  the 
public  schools  of  Crawford  and  McKean  counties,  Pa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gra- 
ham have  a  daughter,  Barbara  Louise. 

Mr.  Graham  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  First  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church,  a  32nd  degree  Mason,  and  belongs  to  the  American  Legion, 
University  Club,  and  Erie  Tennis  Club.  He  is  well  known  in  Erie  County 
and  has  many  friends. 

Dr.  Oscar  W.  Renz  is  a  prominent  young  physician  and  surgeon  of 
Erie,  where  he  was  born  July  3,  1892.  He  is  the  son  of  George  F.  and 
Maud  A.   (Lutz)   Renz. 

George  F.  Renz  was  born  in  Erie,  July  12,  1867,  and  died  May  8, 
1917.  He  was  well  known  in  Erie  and  served  as  foreman  of  the  Jarecki 
Manufacturing  Company  for  many  years.  On  Sept.  24,  1891,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Maud  A.  Lutz,  who  was  born  in  Erie,  July  5,  1872,  the 
daughter  of  Jacob  and  Bridget  Lutz.  The  Lutz  family  is  among  the  lead- 
ing pioneer  families  of  this  section. 

Dr.  Oscar  W.  Renz  attended  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and  was 
graduated  from  Central  High  School  in  1910.  In  1915  he  received  his 
degree  as  Doctor  of  Medicine  at  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  in 
Baltimore,  and  spent  the  following  year  as  an  interne  in  St.  Vincent's  Hos- 
pital. He  was  then  located  in  New  York  City  for  two  years  as  a  surgeon 
for  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  and  in  1918  he  began  the  practice  of 
medicine  and  surgery  in  Erie  at  2210  Parade  Street. 

Doctor  Renz  is  identified  with  the  American  Medical  Association, 
the  Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association,  and  the  Erie  County  Medical 
Society.  He  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  St.  John's  Catholic  Church  and 
belongs  to  the  University  Club  and  the  Elks  Lodge.  He  is  a  member  of 
St.  Vincent's  surgical  staff  and  is  a  progressive  man  in  his  profession. 

L  A.  Hain  is  an  enterprising  young  business  man  of  Erie,  where  he  is 
proprietor  of  the  Penn  Electric  Company.  He  was  born  at  Wernersville, 
Berks  County,  Pa.,  Jan.  21,  1891,  and  is  the  son  of  Lewis  J.  and  Ellen 
(Hain)  Hain. 

Lewis  J.  Hain  was  born  at  Wernersville,  Pa.,  in  1864  and  has  spent 
his  entire  life  there.    He  owns  400  acres  of  well  improved  land  and  besides 


DR.    OSCAR    \V.    KKNZ 


History  of  Erie  County  853 

his  farming  interests  is  engaged  in  the  coal  and  feed  business.  His  wife 
is  also  a  native  of  that  place.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hain  two  children  were 
born:  I.  A.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  William,  authorized  Chevrolet 
dealer,  Reading,  Pa. 

I.  A.  Hain  was  graduated  from  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Werners- 
ville  and  Westchester  State  Normal  School.  Later  he  attended  Temple 
University,  Philadelphia.  In  1912  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Phila- 
delphia Gas  Company  and  two  years  later  became  connected  with  the 
Illuminating  Company  of  Cleveland.  After  several  years  he  returned  to 
his  father's  farm  and  in  1918  settled  in  Erie,  where  he  became  associated 
with  the  General  Electric  Company.  Since  1921  he  has  engaged  in  his 
present  business  at  11-17  East  5th  Street.  Mr.  Hain  renders  a  complete 
battery  service,  making  a  specialty  of  Westinghouse  batteries.  He  also 
handles  radios  and  supphes. 

On  Dec.  26,  1913,  Mr.  Hain  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Lucy 
Shimer,  of  Delaware  County,  Pa.,  and  to  them  a  daughter  was  born,  Sarah. 
On  Dec.  18,  1924,  Mr.  Hain  was  married  to  Mrs.  Louis  C.  Schiefferle,  of 
Erie. 

Mr.  Hain  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  First  Baptist  Church,  the 
Erie  Maennerchor  and  the  L  O.  0.  F.,  Lake  Shore  lodge  No.  718,  Erie,  Pa. 

J.  Russell,  a  well  known  and  substantial  citizen  of  Erie,  was  born  at 
Hooker,  Pa.,  Feb.  25,  1851,  and  is  the  son  of  Andrew  and  Phoebe  (Jordan) 
Russell.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Russell,  deceased,  were  natives  of  Pennsylvania. 
Their  only  child  is  J.  Russell,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

J.  Russell  spent  his  boyhood  at  Hooker,  Pa.,  and  attended  the  public 
schools  there.  He  was  graduated  from  the  School  of  Pharmacy.  Pitts- 
burgh, after  which  he  engaged  in  the  drug  business  at  Sunbury,  Pa.,  for 
four  years.  From  there  he  went  to  Pittsburgh  and  later  to  Clarendon, 
Pa.,  where  he  was  employed  by  A.  W.  Storry.  In  1890  Mr.  Russell  re- 
moved to  Erie,  and  in  1896  established  a  drug  business  on  Buffalo  Road. 
From  1905  until  1925  he  conducted  a  drug  store  which  is  known  as  the 
East  Side  Pharmacy.  Mr.  Russell  handled  a  complete  line  of  drugs,  sun- 
dries, stationery,  tobacco,  etc.  He  is  also  a  prescription  specialist,  and 
had  an  extensive  business. 

In  1874  Mr.  Russell  was  married  to  Miss  Amy  J.  Campbell,  of  Hooker, 
Pa.  They  are  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Winifred,  deceased; 
Mrs.  S.  J.  Drown,  whose  husband  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Drown-Rus- 


854  History  of  Erie  County 

sell,  leading  real  estate  operators  of  Erie;  Maggie,  married  Dr.  William 
Dill,  a  physician,  Erie;  John  H.,  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Drown-Russell ; 
and  Dr.  J.  A.  M.  Russell,  a  prominent  physician  of  Erie,  with  offices  at  206 
Masonic  Temple  Building. 

Mr.  Russell  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church,  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  Royal  Ar- 
canum. 

J.  T.  Noonan,  president  of  the  Noonan  Printing  Company,  Inc.,  is  well 
known  in  Erie,  both  as  a  successful  business  man  and  as  an  excellent  citi- 
zen. He  was  born  in  this  city,  Oct.  24,  1860,  and  is  the  son  of  D.  and 
Mary  (Leahy)  Noonan. 

D.  Noonan  was  born  in  Ireland,  and  at  the  age  of  14  years  came  to 
this  country.  He  was  employed  by  the  government  in  the  navy  yards 
at  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  for  eight  years,  and  in  1858  removed  to  Erie,  where 
he  served  in  the  same  capacity.  He  died  at  the  age  of  70  years,  and  his 
wife  is  also  deceased.    They  were  the  parents  of  12  children. 

After  completing  his  schooling  in  Erie,  J.  T.  Noonan  learned  the 
printer's  trade  while  in  the  employ  of  the  Erie  Daily  Dispatch.  Five 
years  later  he  became  connected  with  the  Ashby  &  Vincent  Printing  Com- 
pany, and  in  1904  engaged  in  business  for  himself  at  1104  State  Street. 
Later  he  engaged  in  the  printing  business  at  701  State  Street,  where  he 
is  now  lacted.  The  Noonan  Printing  Company  does  commercial  job  print- 
ing. 

Mr.  Noonan  is  affiliated  with  the  Eagle  and  Moose  lodges  and  belongs 
to  the  Typographical  Union  and  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

Archie  W.  Mang  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  Erie,  where  he  con- 
ducts Mang's  Kodak  Studio.  He  is  a  native  of  Conneautville,  Pa.,  born 
Jan.  5,  1885,  and  a  son  of  Henry  L.  and  Mary  (Watters)  Mang. 

Henry  L.  Mang  is  a  native  of  Titusville,  Pa.,  and  his  wife  was  born  in 
Conneautville,  Pa.  He  was  a  stationary  engineer  during  his  active  life 
and  is  now  retired,  living  at  Conneautville,  where  he  has  spent  the  greater 
part  of  his  life.    Archie  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is  their  only  child. 

Archie  W.  Mang  received  his  early  education  in  the  schools  of  Erie 
and  was  later  a  student  at  Conneautville,  his  family  having  lived  in  Erie 
for  several  years.  Mr.  Mang  studied  electrical  engineering,  in  which  he 
engaged  for  several  years,  later  becoming  interested  in  the  kodak  business 


HistorV  of  Erie  County  855 

with  Walter  Kiedisch,  in  Ei'ie.  In  January,  1923,  he  became  sole  owner 
of  the  business.    Mr.  Mang  is  staff  photographer  for  the  Erie  Times. 

Mr.  Mang  was  married  in  June,  1909,  to  Miss  Mabel  trappers,  and 
they  have  a  son,  Alanson  W.,  born  June  8,  1915. 

Mr.  Mang  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Unity  Church  and  belongs 
to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

James  A.  Evans,  a  prominent  business  man  and  substantial  citizen  of 
Erie,  was  born  in  this  city,  Oct.  31,  1872,  and  is  the  son  of  Conrad  B.  and 
Charlotte  E.  (Love)  Evans. 

Conrad  B.  Evans  was  born  in  Mill  Creek  Township,  Erie  County,  in 
1838.  He  was  an  extensive  land  owner  and  successful  farmer  and  died  in 
1900.  He  was  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War  having  served  with  the  111th 
Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry.  His  wife,  also  a  native  of  Mill  Creek 
Township,  was  born  in  1847  and  died  in  1917.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Evans  were 
the  parents  of  nine  children,  one  of  whom  being  James  A.,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch. 

James  A.  Evans  attended  the  district  schools  of  Mill  Creek  Township 
and  after  his  graduation  from  Erie  High  School,  he  entered  the  University 
of  Michigan,  where  he  received  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Science  in  1900. 
He  was  then  made  assistant  chemist  at  Western  Reserve  University,  Cleve- 
land, and  while  serving  in  that  capacity  was  also  City  Gas  Inspector.  In 
March,  1904,  Mr.  Evans  founded  the  Erie  Laboratory,  which  is  located 
at  1519  French  Street.  He  does  general  analytical  and  consultation  work 
and  specializes  on  the  analyses  of  ores,  iron,  steel,  coal,  paints,  oils,  water, 
food  products,  fertilizers,  etc.  Since  1904  Mr.  Evans  has  served  as  one 
of  the  State  Chemists  of  Pennsylvania. 

On  June  17,  1902,  Mr.  Evans  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  E. 
May  Bickle,  of  Chardon,  Ohio.  They  have  four  children:  Janet,  born  May 
30,  1903,  graduated  from  Mount  Holyoke  College,  Mass.,  in  1925 ;  Gertrude, 
born  Aug.  27,  1906,  a  student  at  Mount  Holyoke  College;  Allison  B.,  born 
Aug.  29,  1910,  a  student  at  Erie  High  School;  and  Winifred  M.,  born 
March  26,  1914,  a  student  at  Gridley  Junior  High  School. 

Mr.  Evans  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church, 
of  which  he  has  been  an  Elder  for  17  years,  and  he  is  also  a  33rd  degree 
Mason.  He  has  been  identified  with  the  American  Chemical  Society  since 
1900.  Mr.  Evans  and  his  family  have  always  ranked  among  the  repre- 
sentative citizens  of  the  county  and  have  many  friends. 


856  History  of  Erie  County 

Joe  E.  Rhea  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  representative  business  men 
of  Erie  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  brokerage  business.  He  is  a  native  of 
Forney,  Texas,  where  he  was  born  Aug.  3,  1882,  the  son  of  R.  P.  and  Nan- 
nie Belle  (Burts)  Rhea. 

R.  P.  Rhea  is  a  prominent  citizen  of  Dallas,  Texas.  He  located  there 
after  45  years  in  the  mercantile  business  at  Forney,  Texas,  and  he  is  now 
among  the  leading  cotton  merchants,  shippers  and  brokers  of  Dallas. 

Joe  E.  Rhea  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Forney,  Lewis  Acad- 
emy, and  Sherman  College,  Texas.  After  several  years  in  the  investment 
business  in  Kansas  City,  Mr.  Rhea  returned  to  Dallas,  where  he  volunteered 
for  service  during  the  World  War.  He  served  with  the  marines  for  two 
and  one  half  years  and  held  the  rank  as  auditor  to  the  paymaster's  de- 
partment. During  the  war  he  was  stationed  at  New  York,  Virgin  Islands 
and  South  America,  and  was  discharged  May  15,  1919.  He  then  repre- 
sented the  J.  D.  Webb  Company,  investment  brokers  of  Chicago,  the  Motor 
Mortgage  Company  of  Pittsburgh,  having  charge  of  their  New  York 
business,  and  in  1922  Mr.  Rhea  located  in  Erie.  He  specializes  in  hotel 
securities,  and  recently  disposed  of  a  quarter  of  a  million  dollars  worth  of 
stock  in  Erie  of  the  New  Roosevelt  Hotel  in  New  York  City. 

On  June  4,  1920,  Mr.  Rhea  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mabelle 
Larson  of  Chicago,  and  they  have  two  children,  Mabelle  Lenox,  born  July 
17,  1922,  and  Joseph  E.,  Jr.,  born  Friday,  Feb.  13,  1925.  Mrs.  Rhea  is  a 
daughter  of  Benjamin  Larson,  a  prominent  Chicago  building  contractor. 

Mr.  Rhea  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  and  Elks  lodges,  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  the 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  He  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  Erie  and  has  many 
friends. 

F.  D.  Krum,  manager  of  the  Pennsylvania  Gas  Company,  is  among  the 
highly  esteemed  and  prominent  business  men  of  Erie.  He  was  born  at 
Danville,  Pa.,  Nov.  17,  1874,  and  is  the  son  of  Benjamin  and  Matilda 
(Nuss)  Krum. 

Benjamin  Krum  was  born  in  Montour  County,  Pa.,  in  1839.  He  fol- 
lowed the  blacksmith  and  millwrights  trades  for  a  number  of  years  and 
was  also  a  farmer.  His  wife  died  in  1893  and  he  died  in  June,  1922.  They 
were  the  parents  of  five  children. 

F.  D.  Krum  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Watsontown,  Pa., 
and  when  a  young  boy  learned  the  moulder's  trade.    After  taking  a  course 


JOE  E.   RHEA 


History  of  Erie  County  857 

in  business  and  banking  at  Lancaster,  Pa.,  he  entered  the  employ  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  in  1900,  with  whom  he  remained  for  eight  years. 
He  has  since  been  identified  with  the  Pennsylvania  Gas  Company  in  Erie 
and  has  been  local  manager  since  1917. 

On  Feb.  16,  1916,  Mr.  Krum  was  united  in  marriage  in  New  York  city 
with  Miss  Maud  Jessie  Stuart,  of  Erie,  and  a  daughter  of  Frank  and  Jen- 
nie B.  (Caldwell)  Stuart.  Mr.  Stuart  is  deceased  and  his  widow  resides 
in  Erie.    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Krum  have  no  children. 

Mr.  Krum  is  a  Republican  and  belongs  to  a  number  of  Masonic  bodies. 
Rotary  Club,  Erie  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Natural  Gas  Association  of 
America,  and  Lawrence  Park  Golf  Club.  His  wife  is  a  member  of  the 
Christian  Science  Church  of  Erie. 

Charles  H.  LeJeal,  proprietor  of  the  LeJeal  Automotive  Service,  1721 
Sassafras  Street,  is  one  of  Erie's  representative  business  men  and  prom- 
inent citizens.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  Aug.  27,  1873,  and  is  the  son 
of  John  and  Mary  (Weis)  LeJeal. 

John  LeJeal  was  born  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  in  October,  1847.  He  was 
among  the  earliest  settlers  of  Erie  and  for  many  years  was  successfully 
engaged  in  business  here,  as  a  dealer  in  musical  instruments.  He  retired 
in  1904,  but  is  still  active  in  the  tuning  of  pianos  and  organs.  His  wife 
was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  born  July  22,  1852,  and  died  Dec.  17,  1907. 
Her  remains  are  buried  in  Lakeside  cemetery,  Erie.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
LeJeal  were  born  four  children:  Charles  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
Beatrice,  lives  with  her  father  in  Erie ;  Archie,  conducts  the  musical  busi- 
ness originally  established  by  his  father,  and  is  now  located  at  1023  State 
Street,  Erie ;  and  Irene,  married  Frank  Sturtevant,  manager  of  the 
Kahkwa  Club,  Erie. 

Charles  H.  LeJeal  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  and  was  asso- 
ciated in  business  with  his  father  until  he  was  19  years  of  age,  when  he 
engaged  in  the  bicycle  business  at  1617  Peach  Street.  Two  years  later 
he  removed  to  1507  Sassafras  Street  and  finally  to  his  present  location. 
Mr.  LeJeal  was  the  first  man  in  Erie  who  had  an  air  compressor  installed 
for  the  purpose  of  inflating  auomobile  and  bicycle  tires.  In  1899  he  be- 
came interested  in  automobile  repair  work  and  the  following  j^ear  built  a 
steam  automobile  in  which  he  made  the  trip  to  the  Pan-American  Exposi- 
tion held  in  Buffalo  in  1901.  When  he  arrived  in  Buffalo  he  could  not  find 
a  garage  in  which  to  put  his  car,  so  he  was  obliged  to  rent  storage  space 


858  History  of  Erie  County 

in  a  livery  stable.  He  was  the  first  man  in  Erie  to  make  an  application 
for  a  building  permit  to  erect  a  garage,  and  when  he  made  application 
for  it  they  did  not  know  how  to  make  such  an  application  out.  Mr.  LeJeal, 
at  the  age  of  13  years,  built  an  electric  motor  as  an  experiment,  and  later 
built  electric  motors  for  various  uses,  some  of  which  are  still  in  use.  Mr. 
LeJeal's  business  continued  under  the  name  of  the  LeJeal  Cycle  &  Mobile 
Works  until  1922,  when  it  became  known  as  the  LeJeal  Automotive  Serv- 
ice. 

Mr.  LeJeal  also  was  a  builder  of  marine  engines  several  of  which  are 
used  on  Lake  Erie  and  are  giving  continual  service.  While  associated  with 
his  father  in  business  Mr.  LeJeal  built  a  church  organ,  which  was  sold  to 
St.  Patrick's  Catholic  Church,  Erie,  for  ?1,000,  and  he  later  built  another 
intended  for  his  own  use,  but  later  disposed  of  it  to  Sacred  Heart  Catholic 
Church  for  8500. 

The  LeJeal  Automotive  Service  consists  of  the  distribution  of  all  kinds 
of  automobile  accessories  and  is  the  only  speedometer  service  station  in 
the  city.     They  are  local  dealers  for  Bosch  electrical  products. 

In  1894  Mr.  LeJeal  was  married  to  Miss  May  C.  Canby,  of  Erie,  the 
daughter  of  Joseph  and  Matilda  (Smiley)  Canby,  both  deceased.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  LeJeal  two  children  have  been  born:  Charles  Archibald,  died  sud- 
denly while  riding  in  a  motorcycle  race  at  Corry,  Pa.,  July  5,  1919,  at  the 
age  of  19  years ;  and  Esther  May,  a  student  at  Central  High  School. 

Politically,  Mr.  LeJeal  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic 
order,  the  Zem  Zem  Shrine,  Elk  lodge  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  Mr. 
LeJeal  is  well  known  In  Erie  and  is  a  citizen  who  holds  the  high  regard 
of  the  entire  community. 

E.  M.  Evans  is  a  prominent  business  man  of  North  East  and  a  member ' 
of  one  of  Erie  County's  oldest  families.    He  was  born  in  Mill  Creek  Town- 
ship, Erie  County,  July  24,  1882,  and  is  the  son  of  E.  J.  and  Etta  (Moshler) 
Evans. 

E.  J.  Evans  is  a  Civil  war  veteran  and  an  honored  pioneer  of  this  sec- 
tion. He  was  born  in  Mill  Creek  Township,  in  1844,  and  his  wife  was  born 
in  the  same  township,  in  April,  1848.  In  early  life  he  engaged  in  general 
farming  and  in  1901  removed  to  North  East  after  disposing  of  his  farm. 
He  purchased  the  Plubell  plumbing  establishment  and  conducted  it  with 
his  son,  E.  M.  Evans,  as  the  North  East  Plumbing  Company  until  1919, 
when  he  sold  his  interest  to  his  son  and  retired.    He  lives  on  West  Main 


History  of  Erie  County  859 

Street.  Mr.  Evans  is  a  Republican  and  an  active  member  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church,  of  which  he  has  been  trustee  for  many  years.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Evans  were  born  six  children:  Walter,  died  at  the  age  of  13  months; 
Frank,  lives  at  Jamestown,  N.  Y. ;  E.  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Mary 
Hammer,  lives  at  North  East ;  and  two  children  died  in  infancy. 

E.  M.  Evans  spent  his  boyhood  on  his  father's  farm  and  attended  the 
district  schools.  When  a  young  man  he  entered  the  employ  of  E.  T.  Moore- 
head  at  North  East,  but  soon  became  interested  in  the  plumbing  business 
with  his  father.  Mr.  Evans  is  among  the  reliable  business  men  of  the 
community  and  conducts  one  of  the  largest  businesses  at  North  East. 

On  April  20,  1903,  Mr.  Evans  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Emma 
Blakeslee  of  Greenfield,  Erie  County.    They  have  no  children. 

In  politics  Mr.  Evans  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  and  he 
has  held  several  town  offices.  He  served  as  fire  chief  for  one  year  and 
has  been  a  member  of  the  department  for  16  years.  He  hold  membership 
in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  is  a  32nd  degree  Mason,  and  belongs  to  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  Elks  lodge. 

Paul  B.  Nelson,  proprietor  of  the  North  East  Laundry,  is  a  substantial 
and  highly  esteemed  citizen  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Union  City, 
Pa.,  Aug.  24,  1889,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Mary  Nelson. 

John  Nelson  was  a  native  of  Copenhagen,  Denmark.  At  the  age  of 
16  years  he  came  to  this  country  and  settled  in  Union  City,  where  he  died 
in  September,  1912.  His  wife,  a  native  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  hves  at  North 
East  with  her  son,  Paul  B.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nelson  were  the  parents  of 
11  children. 

Paul  B.  Nelson  spent  his  boyhood  at  Union  City  and  attended  the  public 
schools  there.  When  a  boy  he  worked  in  the  cheese  factory  6f  Charles 
Rockwood  and  later  became  interested  in  the  laundry  business  at  Union 
City  with  Clark  Brown.  After  coming  to  Erie  Mr.  Nelson  was  superin- 
tendent of  the  laundry  at  Hamot  Hospital  and  was  later  connected  with 
the  Troy  Laundry  and  the  Shaw  Laundry,  Erie.  In  September,  1924,  he 
purchased  his  present  business  from  Harry  Obert.  The  North  East  Laun- 
dry has  been  in  existence  since  1900  and  since  1914  has  been  in  its  present 
location,  8  Mechanic  Street.  It  is  the  only  business  of  its  kind  in  the  city 
and  extends  service  to  State  Line,  Ripley,  and  Westfield,  N.  Y. 

On  April  1,  1914,  Mr.  Nelson  was  married  to  Miss  Nellie  Hanson,  of 
Union  City,  and  a  daughter  of  Otto  and  Cora  (Brown)  Hanson,  both  de- 


860  History  of  Erie  County 

ceased.  Mr.  Hanson  was  a  native  of  Denmark,  and  his  wife  was  born  at 
Warren,  Pa.  There  are  two  children  in  the  Nelson  family,  Paul  B.,  Jr., 
born  March  17,  1915 ;  and  Rexford,  born  July  9,  1922. 

Politically  Mr.  Nelson  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Metho- 
dist Church  and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and 
the  Business  Mens  Club  of  North  East. 

Miss  Mary  G.  Flury,  who  ranks  among  the  successful  and  widely 
known  teachers  of  Erie,  is  a  member  of  a  prominent  pioneer  family  of  this 
county.  She  was  born  at  Harbor  Creek,  Pa.,  April  15,  1869,  and  is  the 
daughter  of  Jacob  and  Mary  Naomi  (Ward)  Flury. 

Jacob  Flury  was  born  at  Meadville,  Pa.,  Aug.  18,  1828,  the  son  of  Jacob 
and  Margaret  Flury,  early  settlers  of  Meadville.  His  wife  was  a  native 
of  York  County,  Pa.,  born  March  15,  1832,  and  the  daughter  of  John  and 
Sarah  Ward,  also  pioneer  settlers  of  Pennsylvania.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Jacob  Flury,  who  were  married  at  Harbor  Creek,  Pa.,  March  16,  1852,  the 
following  children  were  born:  John  J.,  born  Oct.  27,  1853;  Leon  G.,  born 
Nov.  11,  1855,  died  Nov.  25,  1923,  and  is  buried  in  Erie  Cemetery;  Sarah 
W.,  born  June  24,  1858,  died  July  6,  1908,  and  is  buried  in  Erie  Cemetery ; 
William  H.,  born  July  4,  1860,  lives  in  Chicago,  111.,  where  he  is  manager 
of  the  art  department  of  the  Lester  Store ;  Edward,  born  Feb.  22,  1863,  a 
jeweler  and  watch  maker,  lives  at  New  Buffalo,  Mich.;  and  Mary  G.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

Jacob  Flury  followed  general  farming  during  the  greater  part  of  his 
life  and  in  1871  removed  to  Erie,  where  he  was  associated  with  the  firm  of 
Johnston  &  Brevillier,  wholesale  grocers.  He  served  as  president  of  the 
Harbor  Creek  School  Board  for  many  years  and  was  a  Republican  and  a 
Mason.  He  died  Feb.  14,  1889,  and  his  wife  died  Oct.  19,  1914.  They 
are  buried  in  Erie  Cemetery. 

Miss  Mary  G.  Flury  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and 
was  graduated  from  Erie  High  School  in  1887  and  from  Erie  Normal 
School  in  1888.  Her  teaching  career  began  in  School  No.  4,  which  has 
since  been  named  Burns  School.  Miss  Flury  has  been  a  teacher  in  this 
school  for  36  years  and  has  established  an  excellent  reputation  as  a 
teacher.    She  lives  at  413  Peach  Street. 

Miss  Flury  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Park  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  she  belongs  to  the  Erie  Teachers'  Association  and  the  League 
of  Women  Voters. 


History  of  Erie  County  861 

LeRoy  A.  Jerrell  is  a  reliable  and  successful  business  man  of  Erie, 
where  he  is  the  owner  of  the  Keystone  Electrotype  Company.  He  is  a 
native  of  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  born  June  25,  1889,  and  the  son  of  Charles 
and  Rebecca  (Crosby)  Jerrell. 

Charles  Jerrell,  deceased,  was  born  at  Seymour,  Ind.  He  was  a  resi- 
dent of  Indiana  during-  his  entire  life  and  died  in  1907.  His  wife  died  in 
1891.     LeRoy  A.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  their  only  child. 

After  completing  his  schoohng  in  Indianapolis,  LeRoy  A.  Jerrell  was 
connected  with  a  furniture  factory  in  that  city  for  a  number  of  years. 
In  1917  he  removed  to  Erie  and  established  his  present  business  at  123 
East  17th  Street. 

On  Nov.  16,  1910,  Mr.  Jerrell  was  married  to  Miss  Elsa  Anderson,  a 
native  of  Indianapolis.  They  have  a  son,  Charles  C,  born  April  3,  1913, 
now  a  student  at  Garfield  School. 

Mr.  Jerrell  is  an  independent  voter.  He  is  affiliated  with  the  Masonic 
lodge  and  is  a  substantial  citizen  of  his  community. 

Arthur  Dill  is  a  prominent  young  business  man  of  North  East,  where 
he  is  identified  with  the  Mitchell  &  Dill  Company,  authorized  Ford  dealers. 
He  was  born  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  Jan.  4,  1893,  and  is  a  son  of  Edward  and 
Rose  (McLean)  Dill. 

Edward  Dill,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Cleveland  and  for  a  number 
of  years  engaged  in  the  hotel  business  there.  His  wife  is  also  deceased. 
They  had  five  children:  Gertrude,  lives  in  Cleveland;  Rome,  lives  at  Lorain, 
Ohio ;  Helen,  lives  in  Elyria,  Ohio ;  Charles,  deceased ;  and  Arthur,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

Arthur  Dill  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Lorain,  Ohio, 
and  at  an  early  age  engaged  in  the  clothing  business  there.  In  1921  he 
became  connected  with  the  John  W.  Schmauck  Company,  Ford  agents,  as 
a  salesman.  In  1924  with  G.  R.  Mitchell  he  purchased  the  agency  of  Ralph 
P.  Wells  at  North  East.  Mr.  Wells  had  been  authorized  Ford  agent  here 
since  1917.  During  their  first  year  of  business  the  Mitchell  &  Dill  Com- 
pany has  a  record  of  selling  300  cars,  75  tractors,  and  24  trucks. 

On  Feb.  23,  1916,  Mr.  Dill  was  married  at  Lorain,  Ohio,  to  Miss  Blos- 
som Kortz,  a  native  of  Cleveland,  and  they  have  two  children ;  Myrtle, 
born  Dec.  4,  1917 ;  and  Jack,  born  June  22,  1923. 

Mr.  Dill  is  widely  known  and  stands  well  in  the  esteem  of  his  many 
friends  and  acquaintances. 


862  History  of  Erie  County 

Benjamin  H.  Wells,  vice-president  of  the  Mitchell  &  Dill  Company,  is  a 
progressive  business  man  of  North  East  and  a  veteran  of  the  World  War. 
He  was  born  here  June  30,  1889,  and  is  a  son  of  William  D.  and  Mildred 
(Miller)  Wells. 

William  D.  Wells  was  a  native  of  Wesleyville,  Pa.,  born  in  1852.  When 
a  boy  he  learned  the  blacksmith's  and  wagonmaker's  trade,  which  he  fol- 
lowed successfully  for  40  years.  He  died  Dec.  25,  1913,  and  is  buried  in 
North  East  cemetery.  His  wife,  a  native  of  Canada,  resides  with  her 
daughter  in  North  East.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wells  had  four  children:  William, 
deceased;  John  D.,  lives  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y. ;  Helen  Nash,  lives  at  North 
East;  and  B.  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

After  attending  the  public  and  high  schools  of  North  East,  B.  H. 
Wells  attended  Bryant  &  Stratton's  College,  Buffalo,  and  Davis  Business 
College,  Erie.  He  then  entered  the  employ  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
and  later  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  at  North  East.  Sincel  1917 
Mr.  Wells  has  been  interested  in  the  automobile  business.  He  served 
throughout  the  World  War  with  the  418th  Telegraph  Battalion,  a  year 
of  which  was  spent  in  France. 

On  Oct.  10,  1912,  Mr.  Wells  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Harriet 
A.  Backus,  of  North  East,  the  daughter  of  Andrew  M.  and  Mary  (Moore- 
head)  Backus,  both  deceased. 

Politically  Mr.  Wells  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  and  Elks  lodges,  the 
American  Legion,  and  the  Sons  of  Veterans. 

Henry  J.  Reibs  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Reibs  Brothers,  of  North 
East,  where  he  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  grocery  business.  He  was 
born  here,  Feb.  14,  1883,  and  is  the  son  of  Ferdinand  and  Fredericka 
(Wagner)  Reibs. 

Ferdinand  Reibs  was  born  in  Germany,  March  5,  1850,  the  son  of 
Henry  and  Sophia  (Gorndt)  Reibs.  After  receiving  a  public  school  educa- 
tion and  spending  three  years  in  learning  the  grocery  business  in  Ger- 
many, he  came  to  the  United  States  in  1867.  After  spending  three  years 
in  Nebraska,  Mr.  Reibs  located  at  North  East  in  1871,  where  in  1881  he 
established  a  grocery  business  now  conducted  by  his  sons.  He  died  in 
1908  and  his  wife,  also  a  native  of  Germany,  died  Aug.  22,  1918.  They 
are  buried  in  the  North  East  cemetery.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reibs  had  four 
children;    Louisa,  married  S.  B.  Eix,  lives  in  Ontario,  Canada;  John  F. ; 


History  of  Erie  County  863 

H.  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Carl,  a  partner  in  the  grocery  busi- 
ness. 

H.  J.  and  Carl  Reibs  were  reared  and  educated  in  North  East  and  at 
their  father's  death  in  1908  the  mother  became  owner  of  the  business 
established  By  him.  Since  the  death  of  the  mother,  in  1918,  the  business 
has  been  conducted  by  the  brothers.  It  is  one  of  the  oldest  concerns  in 
the  city  and  has  an  excellent  trade. 

On  July  16,  1912,  H.  J.  Reibs  was  married  to  Miss  Carohne  Meehl,  of 
North  East,  and  they  have  a  daughter,  Anita,  born  in  1923. 

Carl  Reibs  was  married  June  4,  1916,  to  Miss  Emma  A.  Rohmann,  of 
Erie,  and  they  have  three  children:  Mary  Louise,  born  in  1917;  Martha, 
born  in  1919;  and  John  Henry,  born  in  1923. 

Messrs.  Reibs  are  Republicans  and  members  of  St.  Paul's  Lutheran 
Church.  They  are  substantial  citizens  of  Erie  County  and  favorably 
known. 

Dr,  Melvin  L.  Adams,  a  competent  physician  and  progressive  citizen  of 
North  East,  is  a  member  of  one  of  Erie  County's  oldest  and  most  promi- 
nent pioneer  families.  He  was  born  in  Wayne  Township,  Erie  County, 
Nov.  9,  1862,  and  is  the  son  of  Chester  and  Mary  (Amidon)  Adams. 

The  Adams  family  is  descended  from  English  ancestry,  the  mother 
was  of  French  descent,  and  settled  in  Massachusetts  in  1634.  Chester 
Adams  was  born  in  New  York  in  1838  and  settled  in  Erie  County  in  1865. 
He  was  a  conspicuous  figure  in  connection  with  the  agricultural  develop- 
ment of  Erie  County  from  the  initial  stages,  and  his  name  was  familiar 
to  a  great  majority  of  the  settlers  in  this  portion  of  the  state.  He  died 
in  1912  and  his  wife,  who  was  born  at  Clymer,  N.  Y.,  died  in  1878.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Adams  had  two  children:  Frank  L,  who  lives  on  the  old  home- 
stead in  Wayne  Township;  and  M.  L.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

M.  L.  Adams  was  educated  in  the  district  schools  of  Wayne  Township 
and  after  teaching  for  several  years  entered  the  Homeopathic  College, 
Cleveland,  from  which  he  received  his  degree  in  1888.  He  then  practiced 
his  profession  in  Corry  until  1891  when  he  removed  to  Maryville,  N.  Y. 
Dr.  Adams  came  to  North  East  in  1901,  where  he  has  a  well  established 
practice.  He  is  a  skilled  physician  and  widely  known  throughout  Erie 
County. 

On  July  3,  1890,  Dr.  Adams  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary 
Fisk,  the  daughter  of  Col.  H.  C.  and  Mary  Elizabeth  (Nichols)  Fisk,  both 


864  History  of  Erie  County 

deceased.  Col.  Fisk  served  throughout  the  Civil  War  as  a  colonel  of  the 
65th  New  York  Regiment.  He  founded  the  Genessee  Free  Press,  the  first 
newspaper  of  the  Genessee  Valley.  To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Adams  three  children 
were  born:  Dr.  Henry  Fisk  Adams,  born  April  24,  1893,  a  graduate  of  the 
Medical  School  of  Boston  University,  and  World  War  veteran,  engaged 
in  the  practice  of  medicine  at  Braintree,  Mass.,  married  Miss  Charlotte 
Bezanson,  of  Boston,  and  they  have  a  daughter,  Marion,  born  April  19, 
1923;  Frances  F.,  who  will  be  graduated  from  Sargeant  School,  Boston, 
Mass.,  in  1925 ;  and  Mary  Nichols,  a  student  at  the  University  of  Michigan. 
Dr.  Adams  is  a  Republican  and  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

George  P.  Miller  is  one  of  Erie  County's  most  honored  pioneer  citizens. 
He  has  served  as  county  tax  collector  for  23  years  and  is  widely  known  in 
Erie,  where  he  has  spent  his  entire  life.  He  was  born  March  21,  1852, 
and  is  the  son  of  Frederick  A.  and  Minnie  (Jensen)  Miller. 

Frederick  A.  Miller  was  born  in  Denmark,  May  19,  1810,  and  his  wife, 
also  a  native  of  that  country,  was  born  Sept.  21,  1811.  At  an  early  age 
they  came  to  this  country  and  settled  in  Erie,  where  Mr.  Miller  worked  as 
a  shipbuilder  during  the  remaining  years  of  his  life.  He  was  a  Civil  War 
veteran  and  died  many  years  ago.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Miller,  who  are  buried  in 
Erie  Cemtery,  were  well  known  citizens  of  this  section. 

George  P.  Miller  grew  to  manhood  in  Erie  and  attended  West 
Ward  School.  When  a  young  boy  he  learned  the  barber  trade,  which  he 
followed  for  37  years.  In  1902  he  was  appointed  county  tax  collector  for 
the  fourth  ward  of  Erie.  In  1889  he  was  elected  school  director  and  held 
that  office  three  years. 

On  Sept.  10,  1874,  Mr.  Miller  was  married  to  Miss  Magdalene  Fischer, 
of  Erie,  born  Oct.  27,  1855,  and  the  daughter  of  Capt.  John  and  Catherine 
(Diefenbach)  Fischer,  natives  of  Germany.  Captain  Fischer  served 
throughout  the  Civil  War  also.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Miller,  celebrated  their 
golden  wedding  anniversary  on  Sept.  10,  1924.  They  are  the  parents  of 
the  following  children:  Minnie  E.,  lives  at  home  with  her  parents;  Wil- 
liam F.,  was  a  druggist,  died  in  Erie,  Nov.  11,  1923;  Catherine  J.,  mar- 
ried Victor  F.  Altermatt,  lives  at  307  Peach  Street,  Erie;  Selma  R.,  died 
April  15,  1886;  George  John,  died  May  1,  1886;  and  Edwin  0.,  lives  at 
home. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Miller  have  two  grandchildren:  George  Victor  Alter- 
matt, born  Sept.  21,  1904,  a  student  at  the  University  of  Detroit;  and 


GEORGE  P.    MILLER 


History  of  Erie  County  865 

Betty  M.  Altermatt,  born  March  14,  1906,  was  graduated  from  Central 
High  School  in  1925. 

Mr.  Miller  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  St.  Luke's  Lutheran  Church, 
and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  The  Miller  family 
is  representative  of  the  best  citizenship  in  the  county. 

Walter  R.  Briggs,  a  well  known  garage  owner  of  North  East,  and  agent 
for  the  Chevrolet  automobile,  is  a  leading  business  man  of  that  section. 
He  was  born  in  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.,  March  10,  1886,  and  is  the  son 
of  L.  V.  and  Alene  (Rickerson)  Briggs. 

L.  V.  Briggs  was  born  in  Ohio  in  1847  and  his  wife  is  a  native  of  Penn- 
sylvania, born  in  1852.  He  engaged  in  general  farming  and  stock  raising 
until  1916,  when  he  retired  and  moved  to  Corry.  He  is  a  Republican  and 
served  as  a  member  of  the  school  board  for  many  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Briggs  have  five  children:  Elizabeth,  deceased;  Perley,  deceased;  Bertha, 
a  widow,  lives  at  Columbus,  Pa. ;  Walter  R.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch ; 
and  one  child  died  in  infancy. 

Walter  R.  Briggs  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools,  after 
which  he  taught  school.  He  later  entered  the  employ  of  the  Erie  post- 
office  as  a  carrier,  in  which  capacity  he  served  for  14  years.  In  1919  he 
removed  to  North  East  where  he  has  since  had  the  Chevrolet  agency. 
He  also  carries  a  complete  line  of  accessories  and  tires. 

On  June  3,  1908,  Mr.  Briggs  was  married  to  Miss  Florence  Harrison, 
of  Franklin  Township,  McKean  County,  Pa.,  and  a  daughter  of  Almond 
and  Fannie  Harrison,  both  deceased.     They  have  no  children. 

Mr.  Briggs  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Masonic  lodge  and  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Dr.  Burton  Hill  Putnam,  who  lives  retired  at  North  East,  is  among  the 
representative  citizens  of  Erie  County,  where  he  engaged  in  the  practice 
of  medicine  and  surgery  for  45  years  with  exceptional  honor  and  ability. 
He  was  born  on  a  farm  nine  miles  south  of  Westfield,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  12,  1849, 
and  is  the  son  of  George  Washington  and  Alpha  (Vanvliet)  Putnam. 

The  Putnam  family  came  to  America  from  England  about  1634.  The 
old  Putnam  estate  lies  40  miles  due  east  of  Oxford,  England,  and  is  now 
owned  by  the  Rothchilds.  The  Putnam  Church,  built  between  1280  and 
1300,  still  stands  as  a  monument  to  the  Putnam  family  and  is  also  owned 
by  the  Rothchilds,  and  is  used  as  the  home  of  the  manager  of  this  large 
(55) 


866  History  of  Erie  County 

estate.  Jacob  Putnam,  grandfather  of  our  subject,  settled  in  Vermont 
and  later  in  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.,  where  he  built  a  large  dam  over 
the  Chautauqua  Creek.  This  mill  was  operated  many  years.  Mr.  Putnam 
died  in  1847  and  his  son,  George  Washington,  who  was  born  at  Manches- 
ter, Vt.,  July  7,  1818,  died  Jan.  8,  1903,  and  is  buried  at  Westfield,  N.  Y. 
He  was  a  leading  citizen  of  his  community  and  was  the  second  elected 
school  superintendent  in  Chautauqua  County,  and  he  was  also  a  teacher  of 
note.  To  George  Washington  and  Alpha  (Vanvliet)  Putnam  five  children 
were  born:  LiUian,  born  April  27,  1848,  married  Dr.  E.  D.  Needer,  lives  in 
Tennessee;  Dr.  Burton  Hill,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Ida  E.,  born  Dec. 
10,  1854,  died  Dec.  4,  1879,  was  the  wife  of  Horace  Jones,  of  Westfield, 
N.  Y.;  Rev.  Bradford  Vanvliet,  born  Dec.  18,  1855,  died  Nov.  23,  1924; 
and  Mary  Elizabeth,  born  June  8,  1859,  lives  at  Sunbury,  Pa. 

Dr.  Burton  Hill  Putnam  received  his  early  education  in  the  schools  of 
Westfield  and  from  1869  until  1873  taught  school.  He  then  entered  the 
Buffalo  Medical  College,  from  which  he  received  his  degree  in  1876.  On 
April  Ist  of  that  year  he  established  himself  in  practice  at  North  East, 
locating  where  George  Lee  now  lives.  In  1889  he  purchased  his  present 
location  and  built  his  present  home  in  1892,  which  is  among  the  city's 
finest  and  most  hospitable  homes.  From  1876  until  1921  Doctor  Putnam 
was  actively  engaged  in  practice  here  and  during  this  long  period  of  serv- 
ice to  the  community  he  endeared  himself  to  the  entire  community. 

On  April  18,  1876,  Doctor  Putnam  was  united  in  marriage  at  Westfield, 
N.  Y.,  with  Miss  Flora  D.  Blowers,  a  native  of  that  state,  born  Oct.  11, 
1852,  and  the  daughter  of  Harvey  A.  and  DeAnna  (Inghram)  Blowers. 
She  died  Oct.  21,  1908,  and  is  buried  in  the  North  East  cemetery.  Doctor 
Putnam  was  later  married  to  Mrs.  Lillian  Holden,  of  Cortland,  N.  Y.,  who 
was  born  Aug.  27,  1852.  By  his  first  marriage  he  has  two  children:  Cleo 
E.,  born  April  3,  1877,  mention  of  whom  is  made  below;  and  George  W., 
born  May  7,  1878,  married  Dec.  25,  1902,  to  Miss  Edith  Clark  of  Pitts- 
burgh, and  lives  retired  in  Dover,  N.  H.  He  was  graduated  from  the  public 
schools  of  North  East,  Grove  City  College,  and  after  teaching  school  for 
three  years  took  a  post  graduate  course  at  Harvard  University,  where  he 
received  his  degree  in  1901.  After  teaching  school  one  year  at  Beloit, 
Wis.,  he  taught  for  14  years  in  Pittsburgh  and  later  engaged  in  business 
with  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Clark,  as  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Cold 
Rolled  Steel  Company  of  Pittsburgh.  He  retired  from  active  business  in 
1921.  Mr.  Putnam  has  made  three  trips  to  Europe.  He  studied  at  Oxford 
University,  England,  and  Hanover,  Germany. 


History  of  Erie  County  867 

Miss  Cleo  E.  Putnam  was  educated  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of 
North  East,  attended  Grove  City  College,  and  after  teaching  school  for 
three  years  at  Tidioute,  Pa.,  she  studied  in  Hanover,  Germany,  for  one 
year,  and  also  spent  a  year  in  Paris,  France,  where  she  specialized  in  the 
study  of  French.  Upon  her  return  to  this  country,  Miss  Putnam  taught 
school  at  Brockton,  Mass.,  until  her  marriage,  Dec.  26,  1906,  to  Frank  B. 
Neal.  They  live  at  Vandergrift,  Pa.,  and  have  two  children:  Elizabeth, 
born  in  1913;  and  Catherine,  born  in  1915. 

Doctor  Putnam  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Masonic  lodge,  and 
has  held  every  office  in  the  city  of  North  East,  except  that  of  mayor. 

Fred  B.  Heath  is  among  the  most  prominent  business  men  of  North 
East,  where  he  is  manager  and  secretary  of  the  Burnley  Battery  Manu- 
facturing Company.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  Aug.  18,  1874,  and  is  the 
son  of  Horace  and  Jane  (McCord)  Heath. 

Horace  Heath  was  a  native  of  Sherman,  N.  Y.,  where  he  was  born  in 
1814.  He  was  an  early  settler  of  Erie  County  and  lived  at  North  East. 
During  the  "gold  rush"  to  California  he  made  the  trip  with  a  party  of 
local  men,  but  returned  after  a  few  months.  He  died  in  1890  and  his  wife 
died  in  1922  at  the  age  of  81  years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Heath  four  children 
were  born:  Frank,  William,  and  Flora,  all  deceased;  and  F.  B.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch. 

After  completing  his  early  education  in  the  district  schools,  F.  B.  Heath 
attended  Davis  Business  College  in  Erie  from  1885  until  1887.  He  was 
associated  in  business  with  the  Kaufman  Buggy  Company  of  Dayton, 
Ohio,  and  then  entered  the  employ  of  the  Short  Manufacturing  Company 
of  North  East  as  shipping  clerk.  His  next  position  was  as  manager  of 
the  Burnley  Battery  Manufacturing  Company  of  Painesville,  Ohio,  which 
was  founded  in  1899  by  William  Burnley,  and  removed  to  North 
East  in  1907.  Since  his  association  with  the  business  Mr.  Heath 
has  served  as  manager  and  secretary.  He  is  also  one  of  the  largest  stock- 
holders. The  products  of  the  Burnley  Battery  Manufacturing  Company 
are  sold  throughout  the  world  and  it  ranks  among  the  leading  industries 
of  North  East. 

On  Dec.  4,  1895,  Mr.  Heath  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Jennie 
Burnley,  of  North  East,  and  the  daughter  of  William  and  Annie  (Hitch- 
cock) Burnley,  both  deceased.  It  was  Mrs.  Heath's  father  who  invented 
the  Burnley  batteries.    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Heath  have  a  son,  Sheldon,  born  Nov. 


868  History  of  Erie  County 

27,  1897.  He  was  graduated  from  the  public  and  high  schools  of  North 
East  and  Case  School  of  Applied  Science,  Cleveland,  and  is  now  a  chemical 
engineer  at  Midland,  Mich.  He  was  married  Sept.  3,1923,  to  Miss  Mary 
Hildegard  Soderburg,  of  Pittsburgh,  and  they  have  a  son,  Sheldon  Burn- 
ley Heath,  Jr. 

Politically,  Mr.  Heath  is  a  Republican  and  he  has  served  as  a  member 
of  the  city  council  for  five  years  and  as  a  member  of  the  fire  department 
for  15  years.  He  was  also  a  member  of  the  school  board  and  served  six 
years.  He  is  affiliated  with  the  Masonic  order  and  belongs  to  the  North 
East  Club.  Mr.  Heath  is  among  the  successful  and  dependable  business 
men  of  his  community. 

William  W.  MacLeod,  well  known  funeral  director  of  Erie,  located 
at  930  East  Sixth  Street,  is  a  native  of  Canada.  He  was  born  at  Wood- 
stock, Ontario,  Jan.  7,  1877,  and  is  a  son  of  Roderick  and  Isabel  (Arm- 
strong)   MacLeod. 

Roderick  MacLeod  was  born  in  Scotland  in  1832.  When  a  young 
man  he  went  to  Canada  and  for  many  years  was  superintendent  of  a  tan- 
nery at  Woodstock.  He  died  in  1890,  and  his  wife,  a  native  of  England,  is 
also  deceased.  They  were  the  parents  of  14  children  as  follows:  Anna, 
deceased ;  Catherine  Waters,  lives  in  Washington,  D.  C. ;  Roderick,  de-. 
ceased;  Mary,  deceased;  Andrew,  deceased;  Margaret,  lives  in  Ontario, 
Canada ;  Belle  Arens,  lives  at  Erie ;  James,  lives  at  Toronto,  Canada ;  John, 
deceased;  Henrietta,  deceased;  Mrs.  Ehzabeth  Eierman,  lives  at  Little 
Rock,  Ark.;  William  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Thomas,  deceased; 
and  Laura,  deceased. 

William  W.  MacLeod  spent  his  boyhood  in  Canada  and  at  an  early 
age  learned  the  machinist's  trade.  After  working  at  various  occupations 
he  enlisted  in  the  navy,  where  he  served  four  years.  Since  1908  Mr.  Mac- 
Leod has  engaged  in  the  undertaking  business  at  Erie,  and  has  been  in 
his  present  location  since  1915.  The  MacLeod  Funeral  Home  is  modern 
in  all  its  appointments  and  is  among  the  leading  establishments  of  its 
kind  in  the  state. 

On  Nov.  4,  1901,  Mr.  MacLeod  was  married  in  Chicago  to  Miss  Lilhan 
M.  Baldwin.     They  have  no  children. 

In  politics  Mr.  MacLeod  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He 
and  his  wife  are  members  of  St.  Paul's  United  Evangelical  Church,  and 
he  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Felows,  the  Elks,  the  Loyal 


67-.^/^!^^^:^.^^  dT.yr7^^^^-€^'^r-,:>c^ 


History  of  Erie  County  869 

Order  of  Moose,  the  Lions  Club,  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  and  is  a 
32nd  degree  Mason,  belongs  to  the  Zem  Zem  Shrine  of  Erie,  the  K.  of  P., 
Knights  of  Malta  and  Knights  of  Golden  Eagle.  Mrs.  MacLeod  is  active 
in  the  order  of  the  Eastern  Star,  having  served  as  worthy  matron,  dis- 
trict deputy  grand  matron,  and  now  holds  a  prominent  state  office.  She 
is  also  sovereign  protector,  Dames  of  Malta.  Mr.  MacLeod  is  a  man 
esteemed  in  his  community  for  his  integrity  and  spirit  of  cooperation  in 
all  civic  affairs. 

Victor  Moorhead  is  a  prosperous  farmer  of  North  East  Township  and 
a  member  of  one  of  the  most  prominent  and  oldest  families  of  Erie  County. 
He  was  born  at  North  East,  Feb.  4,  1870,  the  son  of  Barnett  and  Cornelia 
(Harvey)  Moorhead. 

Thomas  Moorhead  settled  in  Erie  County  in  1800  and  was  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  Presbyterian  church  of  North  East,  which  was  built  in 
1805.  Barnett  Moorhead  was  born  just  across  the  road  from  the  present 
Moorhead  home,  in  1822,  and  was  the  son  of  George  and  Matilda  (Barnett) 
Moorhead.  When  George  Moorhead  came  to  Erie  County  in  1800  he  pur- 
chased 150  acres  of  land  from  the  government  and  settled  on  a  spot  now 
known  as  Moorheadville.  His  son  Barnett,  became  a  prominent  farmer 
and  landowner  and  died  in  1891.  His  wife  died  in  1897.  They  had  three 
children:  George  Harvey,  deceased;  Rose  E.,  lives  with  her  brother;  and 
Victor,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Victor  Moorhead  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  this  section  of  Erie  County 
and  has  always  been  interested  in  general  farming  and  fruit  growing. 

On  September  12,  1893,  Mr.  Moorhead  was  married  in  Iowa  City,  Iowa, 
to  Miss  Anna  Slemmons,  and  to  them  nine  children  were  born,  as  follows : 
John  B.,  born  Jan.  24,  1896,  connected  with  the  Mitchell  &  Dill  Com- 
pany, Ford  dealers  of  North  East;  George,  died  in  infancy;  Agnes  Mary, 
born  March  1,  1903,  married  Emmett  Nichols,  lives  near  Philadelphia; 
Ruth  Anna,  born  in  February,  1905,  lives  at  home;  Cyrus  William,  born 
Sept.  24,  1906,  at  home;  William  Frank,  deceased;  Margaret,  born  June 
11,  1911;  James  Isaac  and  Robert  Slemmons,  twins,  born  March  8,  1914. 

John  B.  Moorehead  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War,  having  served  in 
the  aviation  from  July,  1917,  until  June,  1919.  He  served  in  France  and 
after  the  armistice  was  stationed  in  Germany  as  a  member  of  the  air- 
craft department. 

Victor  Moorhead  is  a  Republican  and  he  and  his  family  hold  member- 
ship in  the  Presbyterian  church. 


870  History  of  Erie  County 

Max  H.  Reid,  a  prominent  citizen  of  Erie  County,  engaged  in  the  lum- 
ber business  at  North  East,  was  born  at  North  East,  Nov.  7,  1891,  and  is 
the  son  of  Richard  and  Saphronia  (Huntley)  Reid. 

RichaVd  Reid  was  a  native  of  Ireland  who  came  to  this  country  when 
a  young  man  and  settled  at  North  East.  He  was  a  cabinet  maker  by  trade 
and  for  a  number  of  years  conducted  a  furniture  and  lumber  business  at 
North  East.  He  also  operated  a  flax  mill  here.  Mr.  Reid  died  at  the  age 
of  70  years  and  his  wife  at  the  age  of  68  years.  They  had  10  children, 
of  whom  Max  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  the  youngest. 

Max  H.  Reid  has  always  been  interested  in  the  lumber  business.  After 
completing  his  schooling  here  he  entered  the  employ  of  a  lumber  com- 
pany and  in  1921  established  his  present  business,  which  is  one  of  the 
largest  of  its  kind  in  the  county.  Mr.  Reid  makes  a  specialty  of  white 
and  yellow  pine  and  is  also  an  extensive  dealer  in  building  materials  and 
supplies. 

Mr.  Reid  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Heath,  of  North  East,  a  mem- 
ber of  one  of  the  county's  well  known  pioneer  families,  and  the  daughter 
of  Charles  T.  and  Nina  (Smith)  Heath.  They  have  a  son,  Charles,  born 
May  9,  1920. 

Mr.  Reid  is  affiliated  with  the  Masonic  lodge  and  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  a  Republican  and  is  accounted  one  of  the  alert  young 
business  men  of  the  community. 

Gustavus  C.  Graham,  justice  of  the  peace  of  North  East,  is  among 
the  representative  citizens  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Elgin,  Erie 
County,  March  18,  1865,  and  is  the  son  of  James  and  Hattie  M.  (Pierce) 
Graham. 

James  Graham,  deceased,  was  a  Civil  War  veteran.  He  was  born  of 
Scotch-Irish  parentage,  in  1835.  At  an  early  age  he  settled  in  Erie  County 
and  engaged  in  the  hotel  business,  conducting  the  Erie  Hotel  in  1865.  Later, 
he  removed  to  Minnesota,  where  he  followed  mercantile  pursuits  until  his 
death  in  1880.  His  wife,  who  was  born  at  Hamburg,  N.  Y.,  died  in  1910 
at  the  age  of  76  years.  G.  C,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  their  only 
child. 

G.  C.  Graham  attended  the  schools  of  Minnesota,  where  his  family 
had  settled,  and  when  a  young  man  learned  the  carpenter  trade,  which  he 
followed  successfully  for  18  years.  He  then  was  employed  as  a  pattern 
maker.    Mr.  Graham  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace  in  1907,  which  office 


History  of  Erie  County  871 

he  has  since  filled  in  a  most  capable  and  trustworthy  manner.  He  has 
been  Deputy  County  Controller  since  1914.  During  his  long  period  of 
office  he  has  married  915  couples  in  North  East.  Mr.  Graham  is  also  ex- 
tensively interested  in  business  and  is  a  real  estate  and  insurance  operator. 
He  owns  a  well  improved  farm  at  Greenfield,  Erie  County. 

On  July  12,  1911,  Mr.  Graham  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary 
D.  Orton,  of  Harbor  Creek,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  Ashbell  and  Amy 
(Raymond)  Orton.  Mr.  Orton  served  throughout  the  Civil  War  and  lives 
with  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Graham.  His  wife  died  in  1918  and  is  buried  in 
the  North  East  Cemetery.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Graham  four  children  have 
been  born:  John,  born  July  16,  1913;  Stanley,  born  March  1,  1915;  Dorcas 
Elaine,  born  Feb.  5,  1917;  and  Harriet  Ruth,  born  Jan.  12,  1919. 

Mr.  Graham  is  a  Republican  and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows. 

Louis  H.  Parker  is  known  as  an  enterprising  and  progressive  citizen 
of  North  East.  He  was  born  near  Corry,  Pa.,  Nov.  3,  1869,  and  is  the  son 
of  Washington  and  Sarah  L.  (Goodrich)  Parker. 

Washington  Parker,  deceased,  was  born  in  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y., 
in  1829.  At  an  early  age  he  located  in  Erie  County  and  engaged  in  farming 
in  Amity  Township.  He  was  the  first  postmaster  of  Lake  Pleasant,  Pa., 
and  served  in  this  capacity  during  the  Civil  War.  He  died  in  1906  and  is 
buried  at  Sherman,  New  York.  His  wife  was  born  at  Cassadaga,  N.  Y., 
and  died  in  1920  at  the  age  of  87  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Parker  had  three 
children,  of  whom  Louis  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  the  youngest. 

Louis  H.  Parker  was  reared  on  his  father's  farm  and  educated  in  the 
district  school.  For  several  years  he  taught  school  in  Chautauqua  County, 
N.  Y.,  and  later  engaged  in  farming.  He  is  also  a  carpenter  by  trade.  Mr. 
Parker  has  been  identified  with  the  North  East  High  School  as  custodian 
since  1915,  and  is  also  caretaker  of  the  Public  Library  and  post  office. 

On  March  13,  1890,  Mr.  Parker  was  married  to  Miss  Alice  Rice,  a 
native  of  New  York,  and  they  have  three  children :  Vinton  Rice,  manager 
of  the  Winters  Piano  Company,  Erie,  married  Miss  Rose  Bear,  and  they 
have  a  son.  Jack ;  Clayton  W.,  lives  at  home ;  and  Frances  A.,  a  student  at 
Oberlin  College,  Oberlin,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Parker  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  in  politics,  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Presbyterian  church,  a  32nd  degree  Mason  and  belongs  to  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 


872  History  of  Erie  County 

Dr.  S.  Warren  Reichard  is  a  leading  physician  and  surgeon  of  Erie 
and  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  at  Mauch  Chunk,  Pa., 
June  8,  1878,  and  is  the  son  of  William  H.  and  Annie  E.  (Williams) 
Reichard. 

William  H.  Reichard  was  also  a  native  of  Mauch  Chunk,  Pa.,  born 
May  6,  1851.  At  the  age  of  15  years  he  became  associated  with  the 
Hazard  Manufacturing  Company  of  Wilkes  Barre,  in  whose  employ  he 
remained  for  many  years,  serving  as  superintendent  for  30  years.  He  died 
in  1914.  His  wife  was  born  at  Odessa,  Del.,  May  10,  1852,  and  resides  at 
Wilkes  Barre,  Pa.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reichard,  who  were  married  in  1871, 
two  children  were  born:  Nettie  E.  Craig,  lives  at  Wilkes  Barre,  Pa. ; 
and  Dr.  S.  Warren,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Dr.  S.  Warren  Reichard  was  reared  and  educated  in  Wilkes  Barre 
and  after  completing  his  high  school  course  in  1895  he  attended  the 
Harry  Hilman  Academy  for  two  years.  In  1901  he  received  his  degree 
from  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  as  Doctor  of  Medicine  and  spent  the 
following  year  as  an  interne  in  Mercy  Hospital,  Wilkes  Barre,  Pa.  In 
1902  he  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  that  city  and  was  con- 
nected with  the  city  as  physician  to  the  police  and  fire  departments  also 
and  physician  to  the  poor  of  that  city.  He  was  also  physician  for  the 
Hazard  Manufacturing  Company  and  the  Electric  Traction  Company.  He 
served  for  three  days  each  week  at  the  Pennsylvania  State  Tuberculosis 
Dispensary  and  was  also  connected  with  the  staff  of  Mercy  Hospital  and 
the  Kilcoyne  Private  Hospital. 

Doctor  Reichard  was  the  first  physician  to  be  called  from  Wilkes 
Barre  during  the  World  War,  April  6,  1917.  He  went  to  Fort  Benjamin 
Harrison  and  later  to  Camp  Custer,  Battle  Creek,  Mich.  In  June,  1918,  he 
was  sent  overseas  with  the  rank  of  major  in  the  Medical  Corps,  and  was 
commanding  medical  officer  of  the  337th  Infantry,  85th  Division.  Doctor 
Reichard  took  part  in  many  important  battles  of  the  war,  including  the 
Argonne,  Verdun  and  the  Meuse-Argonne.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  influ- 
enza epidemic  he  had  complete  charge  of  contagious  hospital  No.  68  and 
was  made  commander  of  field  ambulances  of  the  85th  Division.  At  the 
close  of  the  war  Doctor  Reichard  was  serving  as  sanitary  inspector  of 
the  Third  District  of  the  Toule  Sector.  He  was  discharged  April  2,  1919, 
and  during  that  month  was  appointed  surgeon  at  the  Pierce-Arrow  Auto- 
mobile Works,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  After  eight  months  he  came  to  Erie  where 
he  accepted  a  similar  position  at  the  General  Electric  Company.     Seven 


DR.   S.    WARREN   REICHARD 


History  of  Erie  County  873 

months  later  he  engaged  in  private  practice  at  1201  West  8th  Street.  He 
was  district  manager  of  the  United  States  Veterans'  Bureau  for  two  years 
and  when  the  same  was  moved  to  Pittsburgh,  was  made  surgeon  to  United 
States  Veterans'  Bureau  in  care  of  disabled  World  War  veterans,  and 
still  retains  that  position. 

On  July  10,  1900,  Doctor  Reichard  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Anna  P.  Burns,  of  Pittston,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  P.  J.  and  Belinda 
Burns.  To  this  union  were  born  four  children:  William  H.,  mention  of 
whom  is  made  below;  Helen  Marie,  born  Jan.  12,  1908;  Antoinette  E.,  born 
Feb.  23,  1913;  and  Louise  G.,  born  Feb.  22,  1911. 

William  H.  Reichard  was  born  April  8,  1902.  In  April,  1919,  he 
enlisted  in  the  United  States  Navy  and  while  stationed  at  Pensacola,  Fla., 
as  an  aviation  mechanic  he  met  his  death,  April  10,  1920,  in  a  gasoline 
explosion. 

Doctor  Reichard  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  First  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  of  Erie,  and  belongs  to  the  Veterans  of  Foreigns  Wars 
and  American  Legion.  He  is  a  32nd  degree  Mason  and  member  of  the 
Shrine.  Doctor  Reichard  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County  Medical  So- 
ciety, the  Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association  and  the  American 
Medical  Association.  He  is  a  capable,  energetic  and  public  spirited  man, 
one  whose  life  means  much  to  his  community. 

Joseph  Warren  Loomis,  deceased,  was  a  member  of  one  of  the  first 
families  to  establish  their  home  in  Erie  County,  and  from  those  early  days 
to  the  present  they  have  been  prominent  representatives  of  its  business 
and  public  life.  Dyer  Loomis,  Sr.,  his  grandfather,  was  born  in  Connecti- 
cut but  came  to  Erie  County  in  1796,  to  join  his  brother,  Henry,  who  had 
come  here  years  previously,  and  they  secured  together  400  acres  of  land 
just  east  of  North  East.  Dyer  Loomis  was  prominent  in  the  early  history 
of  his  community  and  held  many  offices.  He  was  the  first  deputy  sheriff 
of  the  county  and  died  in  1842.  He  married  a  Miss  Nancy  Woods  from 
Rhode  Island.  Among  their  children  was  Dyer  Loomis,  Jr.,  who  was  born 
Oct.  1,  1810,  and  died  Dec.  3,  1901.  He  received  his  education  in  the  Worth- 
ington  and  Milan,  Ohio,  Academies,  and  was  one  of  the  first  school  teachers 
of  this  county.  He  married  Eliza  M.  Robinson.  In  their  family  was  Joseph 
Warren  Loomis,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Joseph  Warren  Loomis  was  born  at  North  East,  Oct.  4,  1844.  In  1862, 
during  the  Civil  War,  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  111th  Pennsylvania  Vol- 


874  History  of  Erie  County 

unteer  Infantry,  with  which  he  served  for  three  years  and  was  finally  dis- 
charged for  disability  Nov.  29,  1865.  Returning  to  North  East  he  was 
identified  with  the  business  interests  of  this  community  as  a  farmer  and 
as  the  proprietor  of  a  brick  yard.  During  a  term  of  six  years  he  served 
as  a  prothonatory  of  Erie  County  and  was  also  a  deputy  in  that  office.  His 
death  occurred  very  suddenly  at  the  court  house  in  Erie,  Jan.  20,  1896. 

On  April  15,  1872,  Mr.  Loomis  was  married  to  Miss  Lydia  Almeda 
Wells,  a  native  of  Cattaraugus  County,  N.  Y.,  born  July  20,  1846,  and  the 
daughter  of  Daniel  J.  and  Lydia  L.  (Whitney)  Wells,  also  from  New  York. 
They  settled  in  Erie  County  in  1852,  where  Mr.  Wells  was  a  blacksmith, 
and  from  there  they  moved  to  Greenfield,  thence  to  Wesleyville,  and  finally 
to  North  East.  He  died  here  in  1886  and  his  wife  died  in  1882.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Loomis  had  no  children,  and  she  now  resides  in  North  East.  Her 
pretty  home  on  Robinson  Street  is  ever  ready  to  welcome  her  friends. 

C.  E.  Force,  retired,  is  a  substantial  and  highly  esteemed  citizen  of 
North  East  and  a  member  of  one  of  Erie  County's  pioneer  families.  He  was 
born  in  North  East  Township,  Dec.  15,  1860,  and  is  a  son  of  William  J. 
and  Nancy  (Burwell)  Force. 

William  J.  Force  was  born  in  this  township  in  1816  and  died  in  1898. 
His  father,  Joseph  Force,  settled  in  Erie  County  in  1814,  having  come 
here  from  Freehold,  N.  J.,  where  he  was  born  in  1776.  He  became  a  promi- 
nent citizen  of  this  section  and  died  in  1868.  William  J.  Force  was  a 
cooper  by  trade  and  also  followed  general  farming.  He  died  in  Erie  in  1898. 
He  was  a  life  long  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  held 
many  township  offices.  His  wife  was  a  native  of  Bridgeport,  Conn.,  and 
also  a  member  of  a  pioneer  family  of  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.  She  died 
in  1880.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph  Force  the  following  children  were  born : 
Sarah,  Abraham,  Samuel,  Prudence,  Rebecca,  and  Thankful.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  William  J.  Force  were  born  Albert,  former  district  attorney  of  Erie 
County;  Joseph  M.,  an  Erie  lawyer;  Mrs.  W.  W.  Ross,  Mrs.  N.  W.  Lowell, 
William,  and  C.  E.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  All  are  deceased  except 
C.  E.  Force. 

C.  E.  Force  grew  up  on  his  father's  farm  in  North  East  Township  and 
attended  the  district  school  and  later  the  Lake  Shore  Seminary.  At  the 
age  of  20  years  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  American  Express  Company 
in  the  office  at  Erie.  He  was  later  transferred  to  their  New  York  city 
office,  where  he  remained  for  43  years.     In  October,  1923,  Mr.  Force  re- 


History  of  Erie  County  875 

tired  from  active  business  and  returned  to  North  East  where  he  lives  on 
the  North  Lake  Road,  near  Shorewood  Beach.  Mr.  Force's  home  contains 
three  acres,  all  of  which  is  in  fruit,  and  it  is  among  the  most  attractive 
spots  in  this  section. 

On  Oct.  7,  1886,  Mr.  Force  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Georgia 
E.  Loomis,  whose  home  was  just  across  the  road  from  the  present  Force 
home.  She  is  the  daughter  of  Joel  and  Susan  (Hall)  Loomis,  both  de- 
ceased. Mrs.  Force's  grand-parents  came  from  New  England  to  New  York 
State  and  founded  the  city  of  Westfield,  N.  Y.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Force  have 
no  children. 

Mr.  Force  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge.  He  is  one  of  the  interesting  men  of  the 
county,  where  he  holds  the  esteem  of  all  who  know  him. 

Robert  J.  Dill  is  a  prosperous  and  widely  known  horticulturist  of  Erie 
County.  He  was  born  at  Erie,  Sept.  23,  1877,  and  is  a  son  of  Robert  and 
May  J.   (Mount)   Dill. 

Robert  Dill,  deceased,  was  born  at  Toronto,  Canada,  July  8,  1841,  the 
son  of  Alexander  aUd  Jane  (McCormick)  Dill,  both  natives  of  Canada, 
who  came  to  Toronto  in  1830  and  were  married  in  that  city.  Robert  Dill 
went  to  New  York  city  when  a  young  man  and  in  1871  removed  to  Buffalo. 
After  one  year  at  the  latter  place  he  located  at  Erie,  his  first  employment 
being  in  connection  with  the  decoration  of  the  mansion  owned  by  Gen. 
C.  M.  Reed.  Subsequently  he  established  himself  as  a  contractor  in  Erie 
and  continued  in  that  line  until  1889  when  he  disposed  of  his  business 
and  purchased  145  acres  of  land  in  North  East  Township.  He  devoted 
many  years  to  the  raising  of  fruits,  60  acres  being  grown  to  grapes  alone. 
Mr.  Dill  served  as  president  of  the  Keystone  Co-operative  Grape  Asso- 
ciation for  many  years  and  was  vice  president  of  the  First  National  Bank 
of  North  East  from  the  time  of  its  organization.  He  died  in  1924  and  is 
buried  in  North  East  cemetery.  His  wife,  a  native  of  New  York  city, 
died  in  1907,  at  the  age  of  71  years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dill  five  children 
were  born,  of  whom  Robert  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is  the  only 
survivor. 

Robert  J.  Dill  was  reared  and  educated  in  North  East  and  has  fol- 
lowed fruit  farming  his  entire  life.  In  1924  he  purchased  his  present 
farm  of  120  acres,  which  is  among  the  finest  fruit  farms  in  this  section 
of  the  state.    It  contains  25  acres  of  grapes,  15  acres  of  apples,  17  acres 


876  History  of  Erie  County 

of  peaches,  8  acres  of  pears,  and  2  acres  of  plums.  Harry  D.  Short  is  his 
partner. 

On  Jan.  31,  1900,  Mr.  Dill  was  married  to  Miss  Blanche  L.  Butt,  the 
daughter  of  G.  W.  and  Lillian  L.  (Fullerton)  Butt.  They  have  a  daughter, 
Mildred  L.,  who  was  married  July  12,  1924,  to  Harry  D.  Short.  He  is  the 
son  of  C.  M.  and  Martha  B.  (Donaldson)  Short,  residents  of  North  East. 

Mr.  Dill  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  in  politics,  is  a  member 
of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge.  He  has 
inherited  the  stability  and  genius  of  his  father  and  is  one  of  the  progres- 
sive and  successful  men  of  the  county. 

Edward  Schmelzer  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War  and  a  well  known 
and  successful  business  man  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  Sept.  27, 
1880,  and  is  a  son  of  Emil  and  Mary  (Storer)  Schmelzer. 

Emil  Schmelzer  was  a  native  of  Switzerland  and  his  wife  was  born 
in  Erie.  After  a  number  of  years  residence  in  this  city  they  removed  to 
Buifalo,  N.  Y.,  where  Mr.  Schmelzer  became  a  well  known  clothing  manu- 
facturer. He  and  his  wife  are  now  deceased.  They  were  the  parents  of 
the  following  children:  Jacob  Fred,  deceased;  Minnie,  married  Frank 
Maurer,  clothing  manufacturer,  lives  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y. ;  Julia,  the  widow 
of  William  Guenther,  lives  in  Buffalo ;  Lillian,  married  Peter  Klumpp,  chief 
clerk  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  lives  in  Buffalo;  Barbara,  married 
Arthur  Dunn,  lives  in  Buffalo;  John,  a  sergeant  in  the  detective  force  in 
Buffalo,  married  Daisy  Fay;  Catherine,  married  William  Baldwin,  road 
construction  superintendent  of  the  Austin  Steam  Roller  Company,  Buffalo; 
Joseph,  shipping  clerk  with  the  Pierce  Arrow  Automobile  Co.,  Buffalo, 
married  Florence  Cray;  and  Edward,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

After  completing  his  schooling  in  Erie,  Edward  Schmelzer  enlisted 
in  the  U.  S.  Army  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  and  served  as  a  member  of  the 
first  infantry  during  the  Spanish  American  War.  He  was  wounded  dur- 
ing the  battle  of  Santiago,  July  3,  1898.  He  was  transferred  to  Company 
F,  202nd  New  York  Volunteers  about  Sept.  1,  1898,  returning  to  Cuba 
with  the  Army  of  Occupation  Dec.  15,  1898,  and  back  to  the  United  States 
March  15,  1899,  and  mustered  out  of  service  as  a  corporal,  April  15,  1899. 
After  leaving  the  army  he  learned  the  boilermaker's  trade  at  the  Union 
Iron  Works,  Erie,  with  whom  he  remained  until  1907.  He  then  went  to 
Lima,  Ohio,  where  he  was  connected  with  the  Lima  Locomotive  Machine 


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EDWARD    SCHMELZKR 


History  of  Erie  County  877 

Works  as  foreman  of  the  boiler  shops.  Later  he  returned  to  Erie  and  in 
1912  entered  the  employ  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  as  fireman. 

In  1901  Mr.  Schmelzer  enlisted  in  the  Pennsylvania  National  Guard 
as  a  member  of  Company  G,  16th  Re^ment.  After  several  promotions 
he  was  made  first  lieutenant,  Oct.  1,  1915,  and  in  1916  served  on  the 
Mexican  border  vs^ith  Company  G,  16th  Regiment,  P.  N.  G.  Seventh  Divi- 
sion. During  the  World  War  he  vi^as  a  member  of  Company  G,  112th 
Regiment,  28th  Division.  His  company  arrived  in  France,  May  18,  1918, 
and  on  Sept.  4th  of  that  year  he  was  promoted  to  captain  of  his  com- 
pany. He  took  part  in  the  following  important  engagements:  The  Fifth 
German  Offensive  from  July  14th  to  18,  1918;  advance  on  the  Ourqu 
River  Heights,  July  24,  1918 ;  Aisne-Marne  defensive ;  and  the  advance  on 
the  Vesle  River.  On  Aug.  27th  he  was  captured  by  the  Germans  at  Fis- 
mette  and  remained  a  prisoner  until  Nov.  29,  1918.  On  Dec.  24th  he 
returned  to  his  company  and  assumed  command.  He  returned  to  the 
United  States,  April  30,  1919,  and  was  discharged  May  27,  1919.  Mr. 
Schmelzer  is  now  a  captain  in  the  U.  S.  Reserve  Corps. 

On  May  28,  1902,  Mr.  Schmelzer  was  married  to  Miss  Caroline  Schmitt 
of  Erie,  born  Aug.  1,  1881.  To  them  have  been  born  five  children :  Ray 
G.,  born  March  3,  1903,  engaged  in  business  with  his  father;  Emil  J.,  born 
Jan.  10,  1904,  an  electrician  in  the  employ  of  the  General  Electric  Com- 
pany, Erie;  Margaret,  born  Dec.  1,  1907,  died  May  6,  1908;  Lucille  L., 
born  Jan.  6,  1913,  died  June  21,  1921 ;  and  Leo  W.,  born  Jan.  14,  1914. 

Mr.  Schmelzer  owns  and  operates  a  gasoline  filling  station  at  2401 
State  Street. 

Mr.  Schmelzer  is  a  Republican  and  in  November,  1919,  was  elected 
director  of  public  safety.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Disabled  American  Vet- 
erans and  belongs  to  the  Eagle  and  Moose  and  Elk  lodges.  He  is  an  enter- 
prising citizen  and  stands  high  in  his  community. 

Joseph  Otto,  a  reliable  and  successful  business  man  of  North  East,  en- 
gaged in  the  flour  and  feed  business  at  47  Wall  Street,  was  born  in  Bavaria, 
Germany,  May  31,  1876,  and  is  the  son  of  Joseph  and  Barbara  (Mann) 
Otto. 

The  Otto  family  have  been  millers  for  over  200  years  in  Germany. 
Joseph  Otto,  deceased,  spent  his  entire  life  in  Germany  and  died  in  1885. 
His  wife  lives  there  and  is  70  years  of  age.  There  were  eight  children 
in  their  family,  three  of  whom  are  residents  of  North  East,  Joseph,  George, 


878  History  of  Erie  County 

and  Fred.  One  sister,  Mary,  the  wife  of  Charles  Sauer,  of  New  York. 
George  is  also  interested  in  the  flour  and  feed  business. 

At  the  age  of  16  years,  Joseph  Otto  came  to  America  and  immediately 
settled  in  North  East,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  as  miller.  Later 
he  lived  in  Sandusky,  Ohio,  and  Erie,  Pa.  Since  1908  he  has  been  located 
at  North  East  and  for  a  number  of  years  was  associated  in  business  with 
his  brother.  Mr.  Otto  has  a  well  established  business  and  deals  exclusively 
in  fine  flours,  feed  and  grain. 

In  1916  Mr.  Otto  married  Miss  Mary  A.  Schlindwein,  a  native  of  Erie, 
and  they  have  two  children:  Elizabeth,  born  in  1917;  and  Joseph,  Jr.,  born 
in  1920. 

In  politics  Mr.  Otto  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He  is  well 
and  favorably  known  in  his  community. 

Donald  L.  Mackay,  a  veteran  of  the  World  War,  is  among  Erie  County's 
prominent  young  business  men.  He  has  the  Dodge  automobile  agency  at 
North  East.  He  was  born  here,  June  1,  1895,  and  is  the  son  of  George 
N.  and  Mary  (Shaw)  Mackay. 

George  N.  Mackay,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Ontario,  Canada.  At  an 
early  age  he  settled  in  North  East,  where  he  died  in  1925.  There  are  three 
children  in  the  Mackay  family:  Gladys,  married  Walter  Lick,  lives  at 
North  East;  Donald  L.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Blaine,  now  taking 
a  course  in  milling  at  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

Donald  L.  Mackay  spent  his  boyhood  at  North  East  and  was  educated 
in  the  public  and  high  schools  and  at  Swarthmore,  Pa.  He  also  attended 
the  Hackley  School,  Tarrytown,  N.  Y.,  and  Pennsylvania  State  College, 
after  which  he  became  interested  in  the  milling  business.  In  May,  1917, 
Mr.  Mackay  volunteered  for  service  in  the  World  War  and  served  as  an 
ambulance  driver,  later  being  attached  to  the  Italian  Army.  He  was  dis- 
charged from  service  in  April,  1919,  after  which  he  engaged  in  his  present 
business  at  North  East.  Mr.  Mackay  has  a  well  equipped  garage  and  up- 
to-date  salesroom  and  ranks  among  the  progressive  automobile  men  of  this 
section. 

On  Sept.  18,  1923,  Mr.  Mackay  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Kathryn  Gallup,  a  native  of  Youngsville,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  Arnold 
and  Mabel  (Horner)  Gallup. 

Mr.  Mackay  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  and  Elk  lodges. 


History  of  Erie  County  879 

Vernon  K.  Edwards,  who  ranks  among  the  leading  citizens  of  North 
East,  was  born  at  Riceville,  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  Oct.  21,  1887,  and  is 
a  son  of  R.  F.  and  Edith  (King)  Edwards. 

R.  F.  Edwards,  retired,  is  a  substantial  citizen  of  Crawford  County. 
He  has  held  many  township  offices  and  during  his  active  career  was  a 
successful  farmer.  His  wife  is  deceased.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edwards  three 
children  were  born:  Vernon  K.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Zoe  Staff oi'd, 
lives  at  Lincolnville,  Pa. ;  and  G.  L.,  a  farmer,  lives  at  Lincolnville,  Pa. 

Vernon  K.  Edwards  grew  up  on  his  father's  farm  and  received  his 
education  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Lincolnville.  He  is  also  a 
graduate  of  Edinboro  State  Normal  School,  and  taught  school  for  several 
years.  In  1918  Mr.  Edwards  came  to  North  East  and  accepted  his  present 
position  with  the  General  Electric  Company  as  salary  payroll  clerk. 

In  1908  Mr.  Edwards  was  married  to  Miss  Lena  Fosburgh,  of  Lincoln- 
ville, Pa.    They  have  a  daughter,  Thelma. 

Mr.  Edwards  holds  membership  in  the  Methodist  church  and  is  an 
active  worker  in  all  church  activities.  He  is  well  known  and  representa- 
tive of  the  best  citizenship  of  Erie  County. 

George  H.  Newton  is  among  the  prosperous  and  well  known  young  fruit 
farmers  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  North  East  Township,  July  3, 
1893,  and  is  the  son  of  Monroe  D.  and  Sophia  (Senger)  Newton. 

The  Newton  family,  after  whom  Newton  Road  in  North  East  Town- 
ship is  named,  settled  in  Erie  County  in  1836.  Monroe  D.  Newton  was 
born  in  this  township,  Jan.  18,  1861,  the  son  of  John  L.  and  Harriett 
(Welch)  Newton,  pioneers  of  Erie  County.  The  father  was  born  at  Os- 
wego, N.  Y.,  in  1830,  the  son  of  Elias  and  Laura  Ann  (Gay)  Newton, 
both  natives  of  New  York.  They  moved  to  Erie  County  and  settled  at 
North  East  when  John  L.  was  six  years  old.  Their  children  were :  Warren, 
Julia,  William,  Eveline,  and  J.  L.,  all  deceased.  John  L.  Newton  married 
April  19,  1855,  to  Miss  Harriet  Welch,  of  Onondaga  County,  N.  Y.,  and 
they  had  three  children:  Loran  E.,  deceased;  Monroe  D.,  father  of  the 
subject  of  this  sketch ;  and  U.  G.  Mr.  John  L.  Newton  held  several  politi- 
cal offices,  was  road  commissioner,  school  director,  and  assessor.  He  was 
a  staunch  Republican. 

Monroe  D.  Newton  was  reared  and  educated  in  North  East  Township 
and  always  made  farming  his  chief  occupation.  He  died  in  1912.  He  was 
married  March  25,  1885,  to  Miss  Sophia  Senger,  of  North  East.    They  had 


880  History  of  Erie  County 

four  children:  William  John,  assistant  postmaster  at  North  East;  Bertha 
Marie  Ross  Kocher,  lives  on  the  Lake  Road,  North  East;  Orpha  Deloss, 
lives  on  the  old  home  place;  George  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and 
Lorenzo,  lives  at  home. 

George  H.  Nev/ton  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  North 
East  and  has  lived  on  the  same  farm  all  his  life.  He  specializes  in  the 
growing  of  fruit  and  has  14  acres  of  grapes.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Keystone  Grape  Co-operative  Association. 

Politically  Mr.  Newton  is  a  Republican  and  he  is  affiliated  with  the  In- 
dependent Order  of  Odd  Fellows.     He  is  unmarried. 

George  K.  Frank,  successful  and  widely  known  real  estate  operator 
of  Erie,  with  offices  in  the  Masonic  Temple  Building,  is  a  native  of  Penn- 
sylvania. She  was  born  at  Middletown,  Dauphin  County,  July  8,  1873, 
and  is  a  son  of  P.  W.  and  Mary  (Schultz)  Frank. 

P.  W.  Frank,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  a 
carpenter  and  bridge  builder  and  helped  build  the  Centenial  buildings  in 
Philadelphia  in  1873-4.  He  died  Jan.  6,  1914,  and  his  wife  died  March  12, 
1913.  They  had  four  children:  William  H.,  lives  in  Chicago;  Edward  P., 
a  contractor  and  builder,  lives  at  Miami,  Fla. ;  George  K.,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch;  and  J.  M.,  associated  in  business  with  George  K. 

George  K.  Frank  was  obliged  to  leave  school  at  an  early  age.  In 
1884  he  had  settled  in  Erie  with  his  parents  and  his  first  position  was  with 
Walker  &  Gallagher.  Later  he  was  associated  with  Cronin-Bloser  Com- 
pany, shoe  dealers,  and  while  there  Mr.  Frank  attended  night  school.  His 
next  position  was  as  a  stenographer  in  the  real  estate  firm  of  J.  Spencer 
VanCleve,  with  whom  he  became  associated  with  on  March  1,  1894.  After 
several  years  a  partnership  was  formed  with  Floyd  Hill,  the  firm  being 
known  as  Frank  &  Hill,  and  purchasing  the  interests  of  Mr.  VanCleve. 
This  partnership  existed  for  12  years,  and  since  1912  Mr.  Frank  has  been 
in  business  alone,  dealing  in  real  estate,  general  insurance  and  surety 
bonds. 

On  Sept.  15,  1917,  Mr.  Frank  was  married  to  Miss  Pauline  Blakely, 
the  daughter  of  Christian  and  Caroline  Blakely.  They  had  three  chil- 
dren: Charles  Robert,  born  June  2,  1919;  George  K.,  Jr.,  born  Jan.  13, 
1921  and  died  April  10,  1921 ;  and  David  Philips,  born  July  3,  1922. 

Mr.  Frank  helped  organize  the  local  Anti-Tuberculosis  Society  in  1912 
and  has  since  served  as  treasurer,  having  charge  of  the   sale  of  seals 


History  of  Erie  County  881 

yearly.  He  was  appointed  by  the  city  council  as  a  member  of  the  State 
Park  and  Harbor  Commission  in  charge  of  the  new  Peninsula  Park,  and 
after  having  served  as  secretary  of  the  commission  from  1921  until  1924 
he  was  reappointed  for  a  second  term  of  four  years.  He  was  also  ap- 
pointed a  member  of  the  commission  in  charge  of  the  erection  of  the  Erie 
County  Tuberculosis  Hospital  in  1923. 

Mr.  Frank  is  a  32nd  degree  Mason,  Knights  Templar  and  a  Shriner,  a 
member  of  the  Elks  Lodge,  and  a  charter  member  of  the  Kiwanis  Club 
and  served  as  president  of  this  organization  in  1921.  He  is  also  a  member 
of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Erie 
Motor  Club.  He  has  held  membership  in  the  Park  Presbyterian  Church 
for  25  years  and  served  as  deacon  several  years  ago.  He  is  also  con- 
nected with  the  Real  Estate  Board,  having  served  as  president,  and  was 
president  of  the  Fire  &  Casualty  Underwriters  Association.  Mr.  Frank 
has  always  been  interested  in  all  activities  concerning  the  welfare  of 
Erie  and  Erie  County.    He  is  a  Republican. 

William  T.  Crawford,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  farming  and  fruit 
growing  in  North  East  Township,  is  a  member  of  one  of  the  county's  oldest 
and  most  honored  families.  He  was  born  in  the  Township  of  North  East, 
Feb.  7,  1860,  the  son  of  Thomas  Childs  and  Ruth  A.  (Wilcox)  Crawford, 
both  also  from  this  township,  and  a  grandson  of  William  and  Nancy 
(Blaine)  Crawford.  Thomas  C.  Crawford  was  a  farmer  throughout  life. 
He  was  born  here,  Dec.  27,  1842,  and  died  Jan.  27,  1923.  His  wife  was 
born  in  Silver  County,  N.  Y.,  July  16,  1847,  and  died  March  25,  1900.  They 
had  five  children:  Ella  M.,  died  in  infancy;  Mary  Josephine,  born  in  1857, 
died  in  1911;  William  T.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Albert  W.,  born  Jan. 
8,  1862,  died  in  1885;  and  F.  B.,  born  June  3,  1865,  a  fruit  farmer,  lives 
at  North  East. 

The  Crawford  farm  on  Lake  road  has  been  owned  by  the  Crawford 
family  for  three  generations,  Thomas  Crawford  having  settled  here  in 
1796.  Thomas  Crawford  settled  on  a  farm  about  one  mile  west  of  this  place 
where  his  son,  William  was  born  Dec.  25,  1798,  and  died  Aug.  19,  1850. 
His  son,  Thomas  C,  was  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

William  T.  Crawford  was  educated  in  the  district  schools  of  North 
East  Township  and  has  been  interested  in  fruit  farming  his  entire  life. 
In  company  with  his  brother,  Frank  B.,  he  took  charge  of  the  old  Craw- 
ford farm  of  98  acres  in  1880  and  about  five  years  later  set  out  six  acres 
(56) 


882  History  of  Erie  County 

of  vineyard.  They  added  to  their  vineyard  until  it  covered  155  acres  and 
they  became  leading  buyers  and  shippers  of  grapes  in  this  section.  At 
the  present  time  Mr.  Cravirford  ovi^ns  100  acres  of  well  improved  land  on 
Lake  road. 

On  Nov.  21,  1907,  Mr.  Crawford  was  married  to  Miss  Helen  Moorhead, 
of  Moorheadville,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  James  A.  and  Julia  (Baldwin) 
Moorhead,  both  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crawford  have  three  children: 
Ruth  Elizabeth,  born  March  9,  1911;  Julia  Moorhead,  born  June  16,  1912; 
and  Jean,  born  Dec.  3,  1913. 

Mr.  Crawford  is  a  Republican  and  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church. 
He  is  a  substantial  citizen  and  merits  the  esteem  in  which  he  is  held  by 
the  community. 

Jesse  P.  Trivett,  who  lives  retired  at  North  East,  has  for  many  years 
been  a  prominent  citizen  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Russell,  War- 
ren County,  Pa.,  July  1,  1839,  and  is  the  son  of  Channing  and  Nancy  (Love) 
Trivett. 

Channing  Trivett  was  a  native  of  Boston,  Mass.,  born  in  1809.  Many 
years  ago  he  settled  at  Ripley,  N.  Y.,  where  he  engaged  in  general  farm- 
ing. He  died  in  1891  and  his  wife  died  in  1873.  They  had  seven  children: 
Susan,  John  Mercelina,  deceased,  J.  P.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Emily, 
lives  at  Sherman,  N.  Y. ;  James,  deceased ;  and  Ida,  married  Stephen  Abbey, 
lives  at  Sherman,  N.  Y. 

J.  P.  Trivett  was  educated  at  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  and  Russell,  Pa. 
In  early  life  he  was  interested  in  prairie  freighting  between  New  York 
and  California.  Six  oxen  were  used  to  each  wagon  and  for  a  number  of 
years  Mr.  Trivett  operated  a  fleet  of  28  wagons.  Indians  were  always 
encountered  on  these  trips,  but  Mr.  Trivett  claims  his  only  hardships  were 
the  possible  shortages  of  food  and  supplies.  He  was  engaged  in  this  work 
continously  for  34  years,  after  which  he  returned  to  Ripley,  N.  Y.,  and 
followed  general  farming.  In  1902  he  purchased  his  present  home  at 
North  East  and  conducted  a  real  estate  and  building  business  here  until 
1916,  when  he  retired.    His  residence  is  at  30  Clinton  Street. 

On  April  8,  1875,  Mr.  Trivett  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Lida 
Louisa  Hannum,  a  native  of  North  East,  born  March  1,  1854,  and  a  daugh- 
ter of  Jerome  and  Sarah  (Roberts)  Hannum.  Mrs.  Trivett  has  two  broth- 
ers: Frank  W.,  lives  retired  at  Bradford,  Pa.;  and  Fred  J.,  lives  at  May- 
ville,  N.  Y.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Trivett  have  a  son,  Jesse  Guy,  born  Oct.  6, 


History  of  Erie  County  883 

1891.  He  was  educated  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Ripley  and  North 
East,  and  for  several  years  was  connected  with  the  Federal  Reserve  Bank 
of  Cleveland.  He  is  now  engaged  in  the  automobile  business  there.  He 
was  married  to  Miss  Lois  Chamberlain. 

Mr.  Trivett  and  his  family  hold  membership  in  the  Presbyterian 
church  and  he  and  his  son  are  affiliated  with  the  Masonic  lodge. 

William  H.  Bemiss,  a  well  known  citizen  of  North  East,  highly  esteemed 
for  his  integrity  and  industry,  was  born  in  Greenfield  Township,  Erie 
County,  June  21,  1885,  and  is  the  son  of  George  E.  and  Anna  (Hartley) 
Bemiss. 

George  E.  Bemiss,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Greenfield  Township,  Erie 
County,  and  a  prominent  merchant  of  that  vicinity.  He  was  also  a  farmer. 
He  died  in  1908  and  is  buried  in  North  East  Cemetery.  His  wife,  also 
a  native  of  Greenfield  Township,  was  born  Nov.  1,  1861,  and  lives  at 
North  East.  They  had  two  sons:  W.  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and 
George,  who  lives  on  the  old  home  place  in  Greenfield  Township. 

After  attending  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Erie  County,  W.  H. 
Bemiss  entered  Cornell  University.  He  became  interested  in  the  dairy 
business  and  for  a  number  of  years  was  manager  of  a  butter  and  cheese 
business  in  Greenfield.  He  then  engaged  in  business  with  his  father  as 
manager  of  his  store  and  in  1911  removed  to  North  East,  where  with  Mr. 
Kimball,  the  present  business  was  established.  Early  in  1925  Mr.  Kimball 
sold  his  interest  and  it  is  now  owned  by  Bemiss  &  Stetson,  and  is  the 
only  general  merchandise  store  in  North  East. 

On  April  6,  1908,  Mr.  Bemiss  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Edna 
M.  Kimball,  a  native  of  North  East  and  the  daughter  of  Fred  I.  and  Anna 
(Evans)  Kimball,  residents  of  North  East.  They  have  a  son,  Meryl  Kim- 
ball Bemiss,  born  Aug.  10,  1910. 

George  A.  Halloran,  manager  of  the  McQuitty  Farm,  North  East,  is  a 
leading  farmer  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Ripley,  N.  Y.,  July  27, 
1886,  and  is  a  son  of  James  and  Eva  (Webster)  Halloran. 

James  Halloran,  deceased,  was  a  prosperous  farmer  of  North  East 
Township.  He  was  born  at  Lock  Haven,  Pa.,  in  1851,  and  settled  in  Erie 
County  in  1887.  In  early  life  he  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  and  later 
operated  a  farm.  He  died  in  1923  and  is  buried  in  North  East  cemetery. 
His  wife,  a  native  of  Illinois,  now  resides  with  her  daughter,  Sarah  Hal- 


884  History  of  Erie  County 

loran,  in  North  East.  There  were  six  children  in  the  Halloran  family: 
Lee,  lives  at  Moorheadville,  Pa.;  Sarah;  G.  A.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
Frank ;  Roy ;  and  Er,  all  of  whom  live  in  North  East. 

After  completing  his  schooling  in  the  public  schools  of  North  East, 
G.  A.  Halloran  became  interested  in  farming  and  since  1906  has  been 
manager  of  the  McQuitty  farm,  which  is  one  of  the  largest  and  best  im- 
proved farms  in  Erie  County.     It  contains  162  acres. 

On  Feb.  25,  1922,  Mr.  Halloran  was  married  to  Miss  Ruby  Briggs, 
a  native  of  Cambridge,  England.  They  have  two  daughters:  Beatrice, 
born  in  1923 ;  and  Jean,  born  Sept.  29,  1924. 

Politically,  Mr.  Halloran  is  a  Republican  and  he  is  affiliated  with  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  a  substantial  citizen  and  stands 
high  in  the  community  and  county. 

Harry  Swenson,  a  veteran  of  the  World  War,  is  among  Erie  County's 
prominent  and  successful  young  business  men.  He  was  born  at  Wellsville, 
N.  Y.,  Sept.  25,  1893,  and  is  the  son  of  Alexander  and  Josephine  (Ander- 
son)  Swenson. 

Alexander  Swenson,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Sweden.  He  was 
born  in  1856  and  at  the  age  of  32  years  came  to  this  country  and  located  at 
Wellsville,  N.  Y.,  where  he  married.  In  March,  1900,  he  removed  his 
family  to  Erie  and  later  became  associated  with  the  Erie  Stove  Works, 
in  whose  employ  he  remained  ten  years.  He  was  later  connected  with 
the  Erie  Tool  Works.  He  died  in  1922,  and  his  wife  resides  at  Erie.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Swenson  seven  children  were  born,  as  follows:  Josephine, 
deceased;  Harry,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Anna  and  Harold,  both  de- 
ceased; Erland,  lives  at  Erie;  Walter,  deceased;  and  Lillian  Ruth,  a  stu- 
dent at  East  High  School,  Erie. 

Harry  Swenson  received  his  education  in  the  public  and  high  schools 
of  Erie,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1911.  During  that  year  he 
became  associated  with  the  real  estate  firm  of  William  P.  Hayes  &  Son. 
After  four  years  with  this  firm  he  become  associated  for  one  year  with 
Samuel  Landis.  On  Jan.  1,  1917,  Mr.  Swenson  engaged  in  business  for 
himself  but  the  following  September  answered  the  call  to  the  World  War. 
He  received  a  commission  of  lieutenant  at  Camp  Lee,  and  was  later  sta- 
tioned at  Camp  Meade,  where  he  remained  until  the  close  of  the  war. 
Since  that  time  he  has  been  actively  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  at 
Erie,  and  has  offices  at  610  Marine  Bank  Building.     In  July,  1923,  Mr. 


H 

^^^^^^^^U 

^^^^B 

1 

^H^^^^^^^^H 

M 

^         > 

HARRY    SWENSOiN' 


History  of  Erie  County  885 

Swenson  handled  the  sale  of  the  Reed  House,  one  of  Erie's  old  landmarks. 
It  was  among  the  notable  real  estate  transactions  in  Erie  during  the  last 
few  years. 

On  July  6,  1918,  Mr.  Swenson  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Helen 
Love  Douglas,  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  Harry  G.  and  Flora  (Love) 
Douglas,  residents  of  Erie.  To  this  union  a  son  has  been  born,  Douglas 
Roger,  Aug.  8,  1919. 

In  politics  Mr.  Swenson  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Central  Presbyterian  Church  of  Erie,  is  a  32nd  degree 
Mason,  and  belongs  to  the  Elks,  American  Legion,  and  was  the  first  presi- 
dent of  Lions  Club  of  Erie  and  first  deputy  district  governor  of  Lions  Club 
of  Western  Pennsylvania.  He  is  treasurer  of  the  Erie  Real  Estate  Board, 
one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Union  Trust  Company  of  Erie  and  served  as 
secretary  and  director,  director  of  the  Central  Savings  &  Loan  Company, 
and  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Commerce.  Mr.  Swenson  is  well  and  favor- 
ably known  in  Erie  and  ranks  among  the  representative  citizens  of  the 
county. 

Francis  R.  Madden  is  among  the  successful  and  representative  young 
business  men  of  Albion,  where  he  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Madden  & 
Hoover,  local  agents  for  the  Chevrolet,  Hudson  and  Essex  automobiles. 
He  was  born  at  Crossingville,  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  June  23,  1892,  and 
is  the  son  of  Cornelius  S.  and  Electa  (Steward)  Madden. 

Cornelius  S.  Madden  was  born  at  Pageville,  Erie  County,  Jan.  10,  1858. 
He  has  followed  general  farming  during  his  entire  life  and  met  with 
marked  success.  He  has  held  various  township  oflSces  and  is  at  present 
serving  as  tax  collector.  Mr.  Madden  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  church 
at  Crossingville.  His  wife,  also  a  native  of  Erie  County,  was  born  Jan. 
14,  1854.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Madden  the  following  children  were  born :  Mary, 
married  Harvey  Knickerbocker,  deceased,  and  she  is  now  the  wife  of  Floyd 
Moses,  lives  at  Crossingville,  Pa. ;  Martha,  a  twin  sister  of  Mary,  died  at 
the  age  of  14  years;  Flora,  married  Andrew  McLaughlin,  lives  in  Erie 
County ;  Cornelius  Sylvester,  a  farmer,  lives  at  Crossingville,  Pa. ;  Fran- 
cis R.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch ;  Urban,  a  farmer,  lives  at  Pageville,  Pa. ; 
and  Leonard,  a  farmer,  lives  at  Pageville,  Pa. 

Francis  R.  Madden  spent  his  boyhood  at  Pageville  and  received  his 
education  in  the  public  schools  and  at  Edinboro  State  Normal  School, 
from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1914.     He  completed  a  course  of  study 


886  History  of  Erie  County 

at  Meadville  Commercial  College  in  1920,  after  which  he  spent  two  years 
in  Erie.  Since  1922  he  has  been  associated  in  business  at  Albion  with 
Mr.  R.  S.  Hoover  and  W.  J.  Hoover  and  they  have  a  well  established  busi- 
ness. They  are  expert  repair  men  and  have  a  well  equipped  grage,  and  also 
deal  in  automobile  accessories  and  tires. 

On  Dec.  27,  1922,  Mr.  Madden  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Fran- 
ces M.  Fuller,  of  Edinboro,  who  was  graduated  from  Edinboro  State  Nor- 
mal School  and  taught  in  Washington  Township,  Erie  County,  for  four 
years  before  her  marriage.  She  is  the  daughter  of  George  H.  and  Julia 
(Coughlin)  Fuller.  Mr.  Fuller  lives  at  Edinboro.  His  wife  is  deceased. 
A  daughter  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Madden,  Margaret  Julia,  died  in  infancy. 

Politically,  Mr.  Madden  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Catho- 
lic church  and  is  highly  esteemed  in  his  community. 

Asa  S.  Morrison,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  lumber  business 
at  Albion,  is  a  native  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  on  a  farm  in  Conneaut 
Township,  Aug.  22,  1883,  and  is  the  son  of  George  and  Sally  (Hewitt) 
Morrison. 

George  Morrison,  for  many  years  a  well  known  resident  of  Erie  County, 
was  born  in  Conneaut  Township.  He  now  lives  in  Kingsville  Township, 
Ashtabula  County,  Ohio,  where  with  his  two  sons,  he  is  engaged  in  gen- 
eral farming.  They  are  owners  of  350  acres  of  well  improved  land.  Sally 
Hewitt  Morrison,  also  a  native  of  Conneaut  Township,  Erie  County,  died 
Dec.  16,  1913,  and  is  buried  in  Albion  cemetery.  There  were  four  children 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morrison:  Mrs.  Belle  Knapp,  lives  at  Albion;  Fred 
and  Lavern,  who  live  with  their  father;  and  Asa  S.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 

Asa  S.  Morrison  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  Albion  and  Wellsburg. 
For  several  years  he  engaged  in  farming  with  his  father  and  was  later 
employed  by  the  Bessemer  Railroad  Company  until  1910,  when  he  became 
interested  in  the  lumber  business.  In  1918  Mr.  Morrison  became  part 
owner  and  manager  of  the  business  which  is  known  as  the  Albion  Lumber 
Company,  and  which  was  established  by  A.  W.  Sergeant  in  1907.  The  com- 
pany carries  a  complete  line  of  building  materials  and  supplies  and  has 
an  extensive  trade  throughout  Erie  County. 

On  July  7,  1909,  Mr.  Morrison  was  married  to  Miss  Ethel  V.  Keep, 
a  native  of  Albion,  and  a  daughter  of  Willie  0.  and  Eliza  J.  (McArthur) 
Keep,  natives  of  Erie  County.    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morrison  have  two  children: 


History  of  Erie  County  887 

Jack,  born  in  July,  1910,  a  student  at  Albion  High  School;  and  Belle 
Louise,  born  March  11,  1919. 

Mrs.  Morrison's  family  is  among  the  honored  pioneer  families  of  Erie 
County.  Her  father,  Willie  0.  Keep,  was  born  on  the  old  homestead  in 
Conneaut  Township,  Dec.  19,  1866,  and  on  July  21,  1888,  was  married 
to  Miss  Eliza  J.  McArthur.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Keep,  who  reside  at  Albion, 
are  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Mrs.  Morrison,  Pliny  M.,  Cleora 
Sally,  Andrew  M.,  Milton  H.,  Marshall,  and  Adella  L.  The  Keep  family 
have  lived  in  Erie  County  since  1797,  Marsena  Keep  having  come  here  in 
that  year  from  Long  Meadow,  Mass.  He  was  a  soldier  in  the  War  of 
1812  and  died  at  Keepville,  the  town  of  which  he  was  the  founder,  in  1851. 

Asa  Morrison  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  and  belongs  to 
the  Masonic  lodge  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  an 
enterprising  citizen  and  representative  of  the  successful  type  of  business 
men  of  the  community. 

George  N.  Marshall,  well  known  retired  farmer  and  highly  esteemed 
citizen  of  Erie  County,  was  born  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  in  North 
East  Township,  April  22,  1840,  and  is  the  son  of  Robert  and  Martha  (John- 
ston) Marshall. 

Both  Robert  Marshall  and  his  wife  were  natives  of  County  Tyrone, 
Ireland.  They  were  married  in  Ireland  and  came  to  America  in  1829  and 
located  at  Solon,  Ohio,  where  they  lived  until  1836.  They  then  decided 
to  return  to  Ireland  and  had  reached  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  when  the  mother 
was  taken  ill  with  cholera.  At  Buffalo  they  met  a  friend,  Ed  Graham, 
who  told  them  of  Erie  and  induced  them  to  return  to  Erie  County,  which 
they  did  when  the  mother  recovered  her  health.  They  settled  in  North 
East  Township,  buying  50  acres  of  land  and  then  followed  farming  until 
the  death  of  Robert  Marshall,  Dec.  25,  1875.  His  widow  died  Nov.  9, 
1894.  They  were  the  parents  of  seven  children:  James,  Maria  J.,  Eliza- 
beth, Margaret,  Robert  W.,  George  N.,  the  subject  of  this  sketcn,  and 
Thomas  0.     All  are  now  deceased  except  George  N. 

George  N.  Marshall  received  his  education  in  the  district  schools  of 
North  East  Township  and  was  successfully  engaged  in  farming  until  1904, 
when  he  retired.     He  owns  92  acres  of  land. 

On  Aug.  18,  1869,  Mr.  Marshall  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Emma  L.  Edgerton,  and  they  have  four  children:  Minnie,  married  Frank 
Rater,  lives  near  the  Marshall  farm  in  North  East  Township;  Margaret. 


888  History  of  Erie  County 

at  home;  Frank,  lives  at  home  and  operates  the  farm;  and  Adgate,  mar- 
ried Catherine  Spacht,  lives  near  the  old  homestead. 

Mr.  Marshall  is  independent  in  politics  and  has  a  v^^ide  acquaintance 
in  the  community  where  he  has  spent  his  entire  life. 

Lewis  W.  Olds,  deceased,  was  among  the  prominent  and  influential 
citizens  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  East  Mill  Creek  Township,  July 
21,  1822,  the  son  of  Asa  Gilbert  Olds,  a  native  of  Alstead,  N.  H.,  born 
Nov.  15,  1793,  and  who,  when  a  child,  was  taken  to  Williamstown,  Vt., 
where  he  resided  until  the  spring  of  1816,  when  he  came  to  East  Mill 
Creek,  Erie  County.  Here  he  died  Dec.  8,  1877.  He  married  April  16, 
1821,  Lucy  Church,  a  native  of  Winchester,  Conn.,  who  bore  him  five 
children:  Lewis  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Nelson,  Erskine,  Clarissa 
E.,  and  Emily  J.  John  Church,  father  cf  Lucy  (Church)  Olds,  enlisted 
when  18  years  of  age  in  the  Patriot  Army  at  Saybrook,  Conn.,  and  went 
with  Arnold  to  the  siege  of  Quebec  in  1776.  He  was  present  at  the  battle 
of  Saratoga  and  assisted  Arnold  off  his  horse  when  there  wounded. 

Lewis  W.  Olds  received  a  part  of  his  early  education  in  a  small  leg 
school  house  in  the  country  with  a  slab  bench  for  a  seat.  He  finished 
his  academic  course  at  the  Erie  Academy  and  was  married  in  Erie,  May  9, 
1848,  to  Louisa  E.  Ackerly,  born  at  Middletown,  N.  Y.,  April  10,  1826. 
To  this  union  were  born  the  following  children:  Inez  Tayntor,  a  sketch 
cf  whom  appears  elsewhere  in  this  history;  Clark,  born  at  East  Mill 
Creek,  July  14,  1850,  died  Aug.  14,  1922,  was  married  to  Lidia  Kaetor  of 
Cortland,  N.  Y.,  who  died  Dec.  18,  1919,  and  they  are  buried  in  the 
Erie  Cemetery;  Nettie,  born  Sept.  17,  1854,  married  on  Dec.  17,  1884,  to 
Frank  M.  Lamb,  who  died  Oct.  14,  1920,  and  she  resides  at  617  Chestnut 
Street,  Erie,  and  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  elsewhere  in  this  history; 
Phila,  born  Nov.  20,  1857,  the  widow  of  James  W.  Cole,  and  she  lives  at 
Greencastle,  Ind.,  a  sketch  of  whom  also  appears  in  this  history;  William 
C,  born  Aug.  17,  1859,  resides  at  Norfolk,  Va. ;  Florence  Ehzabeth,  born 
Nov.  9,  1863,  died  Oct.  10,  1909 ;  and  Charlotte,  born  Sept.  3,  1865,  married 
Dec.  26,  1894,  to  John  C.  Thomas,  an  attorney,  and  they  live  in  Erie. 

Lewis  W.  Olds  commenced  the  manufacture  of  pumps  in  East  Mill 
Creek  in  1844  and  moved  his  pump  works  to  Erie  in  1853,  and  was  the 
first  man  in  the  United  States,  and  probably  in  the  world,  to  reduce  the 
old  log  pump  to  an  article  of  commerce.  In  1869  he  lost  heavily  through 
a  fire,  but  later   regained   his   fortune   and   at   the   time   of  his   death, 


UliWlS    W.    OLDS 


History  of  Erie  County  889 

June  25,  1908,  was  the  owner  of  a  great  deal  of  real  estate.  His  wife, 
who  was  born  in  Delaware  County,  Pa.,  April  26,  1826,  died  Aug.  12,  1901. 
Mr.  Olds  was  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Lodge,  having  joined  the  order 
at  Westfield,  N.  Y.,  before  a  chapter  was  organized  in  Erie.  He  was  a 
staunch  Republican,  and  took  an  active  interest  in  all  public  and  civic 
affairs,  being  especially  interested  in  historical  and  geneological  matters. 
Mr.  Olds  was  a  man  of  strong  ideas,  firm  in  his  convictions  and  master 
of  every  situation  in  which  he  found  himself. 

Emery  Fisk  Bristol,  known  in  Albion  as  an  excellent  citizen  and  suc- 
cessful business  man,  is  a  member  of  a  well  known  pioneer  family  of  Erie 
County.  He  was  born  in  Girard  Township,  Nov.  6,  1871,  and  is  the  son  of 
Samuel  and  Sarah  (Mills)  Bristol. 

Samuel  Bristol  was  born  in  Concord  Township,  Erie  County,  in  1836, 
the  son  of  Miles  and  Betsy  (DeForest)  Bristol,  a  farmer  and  school  teacher 
who  migrated  from  New  York  State  at  an  early  date.  Sarah  Mills  Bristol 
was  born  in  New  York  June  20,  1832,  the  daughter  of  Augustus  and  Ann 
(Owen)  Mills,  who  came  to  Erie  County  in  1844.  Samuel  Bristol  spent 
his  entire  life  in  Girard  Township  and  was  a  successful  farmer.  He  died 
in  1898,  and  his  wife  died  in  1918.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  follow- 
ing children;  Carson,  deceased;  Ellen,  the  widow  of  Walter  Jennes,  living 
in  Erie;  Achaia,  married  William  Chapman,  lives  at  East  Springfield,  Pa.; 
Miles,  O.,  a  merchant  at  East  Springfield;  George  A.,  a  merchant  at  West 
Springfield;  and  Emery  Fisk,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Emery  Fisk  Bristol  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  East  Spring- 
field and  Girard  Township.  At  the  age  of  18  years  he  was  employed  as  a 
clerk  in  a  general  store  at  Springfield  owned  by  Townsend  Webster.  In 
March,  1910,  Mr.  Bristol  established  his  present  business,  which  is  one 
of  the  leading  business  enterprises  in  the  community.  It  is  the  only  furni- 
ture store  in  Albion  and  one  of  the  largest  in  this  section  of  the  county. 

In  June,  1895,  Mr.  Bristol  was  married  to  Miss  Carrie  Ferguson,  de- 
ceased. To  this  union  a  son  was  born,  Howard,  who  was  educated  in  the 
public  schools  of  Albion  and  the  University  of  Pittsburgh,  where  he  studied 
dentistry.  He  is  now  practicing  his  profession  at  Conneautville,  Pa.  He 
was  married  to  Miss  Leone  Locke,  and  they  have  a  son,  Robert.  Dr.  Bristol 
is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  On  Sept.  29,  1898,  Mr.  Bristol  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Harriet  Barnes,  of  Albion,  and  the  daughter  of  Robert  and 
•Lucy  Barnes,  both  deceased.    They  have  a  son,  Charles  V.,  a  student  at 


890  History  of  Erie  County 

Albion  High  School.  Mrs.  Bristol  was  graduated  from  Edinboro  State 
Normal  School  in  1893  and  was  a  teacher  in  the  schools  of  Conneautville 
Township  before  her  marriage. 

Mr.  Bristol  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  church  and 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Howard  Barns  is  a  successful  and  well  known  young  business  man 
of  Albion,  and  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  at  Albion,  May 
24,  1893,  and  is  the  son  of  H.  J.  and  Kate  (Barnes)   Barns. 

H.  J.  Barns  is  a  native  of  this  place  and  the  son  of  Robert  Barns  w-ho 
established  the  present  dry  goods  business  in  Albion  in  1850.  H.  J.  Barns 
is  still  actively  engaged  in  this  business,  and  is  among  the  prominent  mer- 
chants of  Erie  County.  He  has  served  as  a  member  of  the  Albion  city 
council  and  the  local  school  board  for  many  years  and  is  highly  esteemed. 
Howard,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is  the  only  child  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Barns. 

Howard  Barns  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Albion  and  was 
graduated  from  Allegheny  College.  He  has  since  been  interested  in  the 
dry  goods  business  with  his  father  and  became  part  owner  in  1919.  Dur- 
ing the  World  War  Mr.  Barns  volunteered  for  service  and  enlisted  in  the 
officers  training  school  at  Camp  Green,  N.  C. 

On  June  10,  1919,  Mr.  Barns  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Lyda 
S.  Sparling,  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sparling,  residents 
of  Erie.    They  have  a  daughter,  Marjory  Ann,  born  March  11,  1923. 

Mr.  Barns  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  church,  a  32nd 
degree  Mason,and  belongs  to  the  Conneaut  Country  Club.  He  is  popular 
among  his  wide  circle  of  friends  in  Erie  County. 

Rial  B.  Wright,  now  living  in  Littlehope,  Greenfield  Township,  is  among 
Erie  County's  substantial  citizens.  He  was  born  in  North  East  Township, 
Feb.  19,  1865,  and  is  the  son  of  Sherman  and  Eu'nice   (Tousey)   Wright. 

Sherman  Wright  was  a  native  of  Canada  and  at  an  early  date  settled 
in  New  York,  coming  to  Erie  County  in  1855.  He  died  Jan.  20,  1910,  and 
his  wife  died  in  1908.  They  are  buried  in  North  East  cemetery.  R.  B., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is  their  only  child. 

R.  B.  Wright  was  reared  and  educated  in  North  East  Township  and 
began  business  for  himself  when  18  years  old,  running  a  threshing  ma- 
chine for  11  years.     From  1883  until  1903  he  engaged  in  the  saw  mill 


History  of  Erie  County  891 

and  lumber  business  at  North  East  and  from  that  time  until  1923  lived 
in  Alabama,  where  he  was  engaged  in  the  same  business.  Since  1923  he 
has  lived  at  Littlehope,  Greenfield  Township.  He  owns  a  farm  which  was 
purchased  by  him  in  1909. 

On  March  18,  1886,  Mr.  Wright  was  married  to  Miss  Emma  A.  Cris- 
pen,  the  daughter  of  James  and  Adeline  Crispen  of  East  Bradford,  Pa. 
They  have  three  children:  Edna  May,  married  E.  M.  Sweet,  a  sketch  of 
whom  appears  elsewhere  in  this  history ;  Lola  P.,  married  Leo  King,  lives 
near  Wesleyville,  Pa.,  and  they  have  four  children,  Arthur,  Robert,  Doris 
and  Louis ;  and  James,  engaged  at  Greenfield  with  E.  M.  Sweet. 

Mr.  Wright  is  justice  of  the  peace,  has  served  as  road  supervisor  and 
school  director.  He  is  identified  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows and  the  Loyal  Order  of  Moose.  He  is  esteemed  throughout  his  com- 
munity as  a  reliable  man. 

George  W.  Steward,  a  leading  citizen  of  Albion,  and  a  member  of  one 
of  the  early  pioneer  families  of  Erie  County,  was  born  in  Elk  Creek  Town- 
ship, Erie  County,  July  3,  1870,  and  is  the  son  of  Perry  D.  and  Celia  (Win- 
chester) Steward. 

Perry  D.  Steward,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Erie  County  and  the  son 
of  Jonathan  Steward,  who  settled  here  during  the  very  early  days.  The 
former  engaged  in  general  farming  during  his  early  life  and  later  followed 
the  carpenter  trade  in  the  city  of  Erie.  He  died  in  1912,  and  his  wife, 
who  was  born  in  Elk  Creek  Township  in  1851,  resides  with  her  son  George 
W.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Steward  the  following  children  were  born:  George 
W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Grace  H.,  married  Charles  Cummings, 
lives  at  Providence,  R.  L ;  Shirley  Munson,  deceased ;  Nellie,  married  F.  S. 
Powell,  lives  in  Erie ;  and  Belle,  first  married  Herbert  Cleveland,  deceased, 
and  lives  in  Albion,  Pa.,  with  her  second  husband,  Frank  Woodard. 

George  W.  Steward  received  his  education  in  the  district  schools  and 
for  several  years  engaged  in  farming  with  his  father.  He  learned  the 
carpenter  trade  and  until  1917  was  interested  in  the  building  business.  He 
then  purchased  the  Albion  Hotel,  which  he  has  since  successfully  conduct- 
ed. It  is  well  known  throughout  this  section  for  its  excellent  food  and 
good  service. 

On  Nov.  24,  1894,  Mr.  Steward  was  married  to  Miss  Rhoda  E.  Warren, 
who  died  in  January,  1914,  leaving  four  children:  Clifford  P.,  a  World 
War  veteran,  married  Sadie  E.  Morrow,  of  Paterson,  N.  J. ;  Thora  C,  mar- 


892  History  of  Erie  County 

ried  Earl  T.  Cherry,  of  Albion,  and  they  have  a  son,  Wallace  Milton; 
Arthur,  lives  in  Cleveland,  mari-ied  Margaret  Williams;  and  Francis,  de- 
ceased. On  Dec.  23,  1914,  Mr.  Steward  was  married  to  Mrs.  Hattie  E. 
Jones,  a  daughter  of  George  and  Cora  Capin,  both  deceased.  They  have  a 
daughter,  Grace  H.,  born  Sept.  14,  1915. 

Mr.  Steward  is  a  Republican  and  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 

Charles  A.  Mertens.  Numbered  among  the  representative  members 
of  the  bar  of  Erie  County  is  Charles  A.  Mertens,  who  is  successfully 
engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Erie.  He  was  born  in  this 
city.  May  30,  1875,  and  is  the  son  of  August  and  Louise  (Ester)  Mertens, 
both  natives  of  Germany,  who  were  married  in  Erie. 

Charles  A.  Mertens  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and 
was  graduated  from  high  school  in  1893.  In  the  following  year  he  began 
reading  law  in  the  office  of  H.  J.  Curtze,  of  Erie,  and  in  1897  he  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  of  his  native  county,  and  since  that  time  has  been 
admitted  to  practice  in  the  state  and  federal  courts.  After  being  admitted 
to  the  bar  he  continued  to  be  associated  in  practice  with  his  former  pre- 
ceptor, Mr.  Curtze,  until  1903,  since  which  time  he  has  conducted  an 
individual  professional  business,  with  offices  at  14  East  Eighth  Street. 
He  has  shown  distinctive  ability  as  a  trial  lawyer  and  has  proved  a  safe 
and  conservative  counsel.  His  practice  runs  extensively  into  the  line 
of  real  estate  and  orphan's  court  practice  on  which  subject  he  is  con- 
sidered an  authority. 

Mr.  Mertens  has  ever  manifested  a  zealous  interest  in  the  cause  of 
the  Republican  party,  and  in  its  behalf  has  rendered  effective  service. 
In  1900-01  he  represented  Erie  County  in  the  State  Legislature,  where 
he  made  an  excellent  record  as  a  careful  and  conscientious  worker  for 
effective  legislation.  In  1904-05  he  was  chairman  of  the  Republican 
County  Committee  of  Erie  County,  and  during  the  incumbency  of  this 
position  he  showed  much  ability  and  discrimination  in  marshaling  the 
foi'ces  at  his  command. 

Mr.  Mertens  was  married  in  1914  to  May  L.  Fehrenbach,  and  to  them 
have  been  born  six  children  as  follows:  Francis,  Charles  A.,  Jr.,  Adolph 
A.,  Edward  H.,  John  Robert,  and  Donald  A. 

Mr.  Mertens  and  his  family  hold  membership  in  St.  John's  Lutheran 
Church  and  he  is  identified  with  the  Masonic  Lodge  and  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  has  been  an  active  worker  in  this  organization 


CHARLES  A.   MERTBNS 


History  of  Erie  County  893 

having  served  as  grand  master  of  the  I.  0.  0.  F.  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsyl- 
vania from  1923  until  1924.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Elks  Lodge,  the 
Kahkwa  Club,  Erie  Yacht  Club,  and  other  social  organizations  in  his 
home  city. 

Frank  E.  Jenkins  is  among  the  substantial  and  highly  esteemed  citi- 
zens of  Albion.  He  was  born  in  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  May  21,  1878, 
and  is  the  son  of  George  M.  and  Minerva  (Watson)  Jenkins. 

George  M.  Jenkins  was  a  native  of  Crawford  County,  born  May  3,  1855. 
He  was  engaged  in  general  farming  and  stock-raising  the  greater  part  of 
his  life  and  met  with  success.  He  and  his  wife  are  deceased.  She  was 
the  daughter  of  Conrad  Watson,  an  early  settler  of  Crawford  County.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jenkins  were  born  six  children,  as  follows:  Frank  E.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch ;  Mae,  married  E.  J.  Wright,  lives  at  Albion ;  Iva, 
married  Fred  Salisbury,  lives  in  Conneaut  Township,  Erie  County ;  John, 
born  April  12,  1889,  a  teacher  in  the  Girard  (Pa.)  schools;  Gladys,  born 
June  16,  1894,  married  Park  Irwin,  lives  at  Albion;  and  Doris,  born  in 
September,  1897,  married  LeRoy  House,  deceased,  and  she  later  married 
M.  Mitchell,  and  lives  in  Denver,  Col. 

After  completing  his  schooling  in  the  pubhc  schools,  Frank  E.  Jenkins 
followed  general  farming  until  he  reached  the  age  of  26  years,  when  he 
suffered  a  serious  illness  and  was  left  an  invalid.  He  has  since  engaged  in 
business  in  Albion  and  in  1916  purchased  his  present  business  from  Free- 
man &  Ocker,  and  conducts  what  is  known  as  the  Jenkins  Billiard  Hall. 
Mr.  Jenkins  has  met  with  success  in  this  business  venture  and  has  a  large 
patronage. 

Mr.  Jenkins  is  a  Republican  and  has  a  wide  acquaintance  in  the  com- 
munity. 

Molt  DeWolfe,  who  is  engaged  in  the  coal  business  at  Albion  is  one 
of  the  well  known  and  successful  business  men  of  that  section.  He  was 
born  in  Conneaut  Township,  Erie  County,  Jan.  4,  1882,  and  is  the  son  of 
Augustus  and  Alida  (Marsh)  DeWolfe. 

Augustus  DeWolfe,  deceased,  was  born  in  Springfield  Township,  Erie 
County,  July  7,  1857,  and  died  in  1912.  He  was  an  extensive  land  owner 
and  a  leading  citizen  of  his  community,  having  served  for  many  years  as 
school  director  and  road  commissioner.  His  wife,  a  native  of  New  York, 
resides  with  her  daughter,  Mrs.  B.  E.  Kinney.    To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  DeWolfe, 


894  History  of  Erie  County 

six  children  were  born,  as  follows :  Dallas  M.,  a  fruit  farmer,  lives  in  the 
Isle  of  Pines,  Cuba;  Cora,  married  B.  E.  Kinney,  lives  at  Cherry  Hill,  Erie 
County ;  Blanche,  a  doctor  of  chiropractic,  lives  in  Washington ;  Mott,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch ;  Rush,  lives  in  Erie,  is  a  World  War  veteran ;  and 
one  child  died  in  infancy. 

Mott  DeWolf e  was  reared  and  educated  at  Albion  and  engaged  in  farm- 
ing with  his  father  until  21  years  of  age,  when  he  became  connected  with 
the  Bessemer  Railroad  as  a  trainman  and  later  as  station  agent.  In  1914 
he  became  interested  in  the  coal  business  in  which  enterprise  he  has  met 
with  success. 

On  July  2,  1903,  Mr.  DeWolfe  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Pearl 
C.  Bancroft,  who  was  born  in  Conneaut  Township,  the  daughter  of  J.  J. 
and  Louise  (Thompson)  Bancroft.  A  strange  coincident  concerning  the 
lives  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  DeWolfe  is  that  they  were  born  in  the  same  house 
and  in  the  very  same  room.    They  have  no  children. 

Politically  Mr.  DeWolfe  is  a  Republican  and  he  is  affiliated  with  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Emmett  C.  Wilson.  One  of  the  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  of  the 
younger  attorneys  of  the  city  of  Erie  is  Emmett  C.  Wilson,  who  has  offices 
with  Miles  B.  Kitts  at  25  East  8th  Street.  He  was  born  in  this  city, 
Aug.  23,  1900,  and  is  the  son  of  Clyde  C.  and  Mamie  M.  (Deck)  Wilson. 

Clyde  C.  Wilson  was  a  native  of  Sharpsville,  Pa.,  and  his  wife  was 
born  in  Berlin,  Germany.  He  attended  medical  school  for  several  years, 
but  engaged  in  business  later,  being  a  successful  merchant  of  Erie  for  a 
number  of  years.  He  is  deceased  and  his  wife  resides  in  Erie.  They  had 
two  sons:  Emmett  C,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Grant,  who  also 
resides  in  Erie. 

After  receiving  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie, 
Emmett  C.  Wilson  was  graduated  from  the  School  of  Economics  at  the 
University  of  Pittsburgh.  He  received  his  degree  in  law  at  the  same 
institution  in  1924,  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his 
profession  in  Erie. 

On  Oct.  31,  1923,  Mr.  Wilson  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Aline 
McElhainey,  a  native  of  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  and  the  daughter  of  Alexander 
and  Henrietta  (Gagel)  McElhainey.  They  were  bom  at  Marion,  Ind., 
and  now  reside  in  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Another  daughter,  Lillian  McElhainey, 
married  Raymond  Mater,  and  lives  at   1339  Elm  Street,   Youngstown, 


History  of  Erie  County  895 

Ohio.    To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson  a  son  has  been  born,  Emmett  C,  Jr.,  born 
Sept.  5,  1924. 

Mr.  Wilson  is  an  independent  voter.  He  is  a  member  of  St.  Peter's 
CJitholic  Church,  and  belongs  to  the  Delta  Theta  Phi  fraternity,  of  which 
he  served  as  treasurer  for  one  year.  He  was  also  a  delegate  to  the  na- 
tional convention  of  the  fraternity  several  years  ago,  and  in  the  capacity 
of  tribune  for  the  succeeding  year.  He  also  holds  membership  in  the 
Delta  Sigma  Rho,  an  honorary  debating  fraternity.  During  the  World 
War,  Mr.  Wilson  was  a  member  of  the  Students'  Army  Training  Corps. 

Fred  D.  Spaulding  is  a  progressive  and  enterprising  business  man  of 
Albion,  where  he  is  local  manager  and  representative  of  the  Atlantic  Re- 
fining Company.  He  is  a  native  of  this  county,  born  in  Conneaut  Town- 
ship, July  20,  1878,  and  the  son  of  Randall  D.  and  Florence  (Kinney) 
Spaulding. 

Randall  D.  Spaulding,  deceased,  was  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War.  He 
was  born  in  Conneaut  Township  and  was  the  son  of  Dexter  Spaulding, 
one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Erie  County.  Randall  D.  Spaulding  was  a  stone 
mason  by  trade  and  also  owned  a  small  farm  at  Cherry  Hill.  He  held  many 
public  offices  and  was  a  member  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  He 
died  in  March,  1918,  and  his  wife  lives  at  Conneaut,  Ohio,  and  is  now  71 
years  of  age.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Spaulding  were  born  five  children:  Fred 
D.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Imogene,  married  0.  L.  Brewster,  lives  at 
Conneaut,  Ohio;  Dexter  W.,  postmaster  and  editor  of  the  Conneautville 
(Pa.)  Courier;  and  two  children  died  in  infancy. 

Fred  D.  Spaulding  was  educated  in  the  district  schools  and  when  a  boy 
learned  the  painter's  trade,  which  he  followed  for  five  years.  He  then 
entered  the  employ  of  the  Bessemer  Railroad  as  a  brakeman,  and  was  later 
promoted  to  conductor.  Mr.  Spaulding  also  owned  a  well  improved  farm 
of  50  acres,  which  he  sold  in  1918  and  he  has  since  lived  at  Albion  and 
held  his  present  position. 

On  Oct.  31,  1898,  Mr.  Spaulding  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Deborah  Badger,  a  native  of  Conneaut  Township,  Erie  County,  and  the 
daughter  of  Henry  and  Eleanor  (Nash)  Badger.  Mr.  Badger  died  March 
7,  1925,  and  his  wife  died  in  1900.  Before  her  marriage,  Mrs.  Spaulding 
was  a  teacher.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Spaulding  a  daughter  was  born,  Eleanor, 
born  May  7,  1902.  She  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Albion  and 
after  her  graduation  in  1920  spent  a  year  at  St.  Luke's  Hospital,  Cleve- 


896  History  of  Erie  County 

land,  Ohio,  and  also  a  year  at  Battle  Creek,  Mich.  She  is  now  a  student 
at  Western  Reserve  University,  Cleveland,  where  she  has  taken  a  special 
course  in  public  health. 

Politically,  Mr.  Spaulding  is  a  Republican.  His  family  are  members 
of  the  Methodist  church  and  he  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows.  Both  he  and  his  family  have  a  wide  acquaintance  in  Erie  County 
and  are  favorably  known. 

Robert  W.  Shepard,  manufacturing  optician,  located  at  115  West 
Ninth  Street,  is  among  the  reliable  and  successful  business  men  of  Erie. 
He  was  born  in  Union  Township,  Erie  County,  Dec.  22,  1881,  and  is  the 
son  of  Royal  D.  and  Malinda  L.  (Johnson)  Shepard. 

Royal  D.  Shepard,  also  a  native  of  Union  Township,  was  born  in 
1851.  He  ran  the  stage  coach  from  Wattsburg  to  Erie  during  the  early 
days  and  was  later  employed  at  the  Hanna  docks  in  Erie.  After  a  number 
of  years  in  the  employ  of  the  Soldiers  Home  at  Erie,  he  engaged  in  the 
grocery  business  at  Erie.  He  has  lived  retired  since  1918.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Shepard,  who  have  been  married  49  years,  are  the  parents  of  the  follow- 
ing children:  Eugene  H.,  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  at  Erie; 
Estella,  the  wife  of  Dexter  D.  Morey,  lives  in  Erie;  Aurie,  who  died  at 
the  age  of  five  years;  and  Robert  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Robert  W.  Shepard  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of 
Erie  and  in  1899  began  the  study  of  optometry.  After  completing  a 
course  at  South  Bend,  Ind.,  he  was  graduated  from  the  Philadelphia 
Optical  College  and  for  the  past  18  years  has  followed  his  profession  in 
Erie.  In  connection  with  the  practice  of  optometry,  Mr.  Shepard  conducts 
a  manufacturing  plant  in  which  he  makes  all  of  the  tools  for  specially 
ground  lenses,  requiring  only  about  a  half  hour  for  making  a  tool  for  any 
special  lense.  The  plant  is  modern  and  up-to-date  in  every  detail.  The 
business  was  started  in  1906  with  an  apprentice  and  has  grown  to  such 
an  extent  that  six  skilled  assistants  are  now  employed.  He  has  estab- 
lished one  of  the  important  business  institutions  of  the  community. 

On  June  21,  1905,  Mr.  Shepard  was  united  in  marriage  at  Holyoke, 
Mass.,  with  Miss  Alice  M.  Chapin  of  Batavia,  N.  Y.  They  have  three 
children:  Mildred  A.,  born  June  11,  1908;  Arthur  J.,  born  Nov.  18,  1910; 
and  Donald  D.,  born  Dec.  18,  1913. 

Mr.  Shepard  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Church,  is 
a  32nd  degree  Mason  and  belongs  to  the  Erie  Consistory,  Mt.  Olivet  Com- 


ROBKRT  W.   SHEPARD 


History  of  Erie  County  897 

mandery  and  Zeni  Zem  Shrine.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Kiwanis  Club,  the 
Erie  Golf  Club  and  the  Erie  Yacht  Club.  Mr.  Shepard  is  held  in  high 
regard  throughout  the  community  and  is  an  excellent  citizen. 

Mrs.  Nettie  (Olds)  Lamb,  who  now  resides  at  617  Chestnut  Street, 
Erie,  is  a  native  of  this  city.  She  was  born  at  511  Chestnut  Street,  Sept. 
17,  1854,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Lewis  W.  and  Louisa  E.  (Ackerly)  Olds. 
A  biography  of  Lewis  W.  Olds  appears  elsewhere  in  this  history. 

On  Dec.  17,  1884,  Nettie  Olds  was  united  in  marriage  with  Frank  M. 
Lamb,  a  native  of  Erie,  born  Dec.  14,  1854.  He  was  a  banker  and  identi- 
fied with  the  Keystone  Bank  of  Erie  until  the  time  of  its  failure.  He  later 
removed  to  Montgomery,  Ala.,  in  1900,  where  he  promoted  the  Graphite 
Milling  Company,  and  where  he  died  Oct.  14,  1920.  He  is  buried  in  the 
Erie  cemetery.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lamb  two  children  were  born:  Clark 
Victor,  born  in  Erie,  May  2,  1887,  superintendent  of  the  U.  S.  Engineers 
at  Colurnbus,  Ga.,  served  with  the  319th  U.  S.  Engineers  during  the  World 
War,  married  to  Nettie  Savage  Kieth  of  Camden,  Ala. ;  and  Catherine 
Louise,  born  at  Erie,  June  27,  1891,  married  on  Oct.  15,  1913,  to  J.  Douglas 
Murphy,  and  they  reside  in  Erie,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  real  estate 
and  insurance  business. 

Mrs.  Lamb  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Church 
and  a  charter  member  of  the  Erie  Women's  Club  and  the  Art  Club.  She 
is  a  member  of  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution  and  holds  the 
position  of  vice  regent  of  Presque  Isle  Chapter. 

Frank  M.  Lamb  was  a  32nd  degree  Mason  and  a  Republican.  He  was 
an  energetic  citizen,  who  stood  well  in  the  esteem  of  his  fellow  citizens. 

Mrs.  Phila  (Olds)  Cole,  of  Erie,  is  a  m,ember  of  a  family  that  has  long 
been  identified  with  the  history  of  Erie  County.  She  was  born  in  this 
city,  Nov.  20,  1857,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Lewis  W.  and  Louisa  E.  (Ack- 
erly) Olds.  A  complete  sketch  of  Lewis  W.  Olds  appears  elsewhere  in 
this  history. 

Phila  Olds  was  born  and  reared  in  Erie  County.  She  was  married 
to  James  W.  Cole,  a  native  of  Dearborn  County,  Ind.,  born  Feb.  2,  1820. 
He  died  June  5,  1907,  and  is  buried  at  Greencastle,  Ind.  Mr.  Cole  estab- 
lished the  Cole  Brothers  Lightning  Rod  Company  of  Greencastle,  Ind., 
before  the  CiVil  War  and  became  president  of  the  firm.  In  1898  he  sold 
his  interests  to  his  brothers  and  retired.  He  was  a  Republican  and  a 
(57) 


898  History  of  Erie  County 

member  of  the  Masonic  lodge.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cole  a  son  was  born, 
James  Gilbert  Cole,  born  Sept.  20,  1894.  He  is  a  graduate  of  Culver  Mili- 
tary Academy  and  served  in  the  army  during  the  World  War  as  an  in- 
structor in  the  Officers'  Training  School  at  Porto  Rico.  He  now  resides 
in  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mrs.  Cole  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Church, 
and  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution. 

Mrs.  Inez  (Olds)  Tayntor  is  widely  known  in  Erie  and  is  among  the 
esteemed  women  of  Erie  County  where  she  has  spent  so  many  years.  She 
was  born  at  Farmington,  Ohio,  March  11,  1849,  and  is  the  daughter  of 
the  late  Lewis  W.  and  Louisa  E.  (Ackerly)  Olds,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears 
in  this  history. 

Inez  Olds  was  married  to  Eugene  N.  Tayntor,  who  was  a  native  of 
West  Eaton,  N.  Y.,  born  Jan.  22,  1847,  and  the  son  of  Joseph  and  Marietta 
(Bebbe)  Tayntor,  both  now  deceased.  Mr.  Tayntor  was  manager  of  the 
Tayntor  Gi-anite  Quarries  of  Barre,  Vt.,  for  20  years  and  died  there  Aug. 
28,  1911,  and  is  buried  in  Erie  cemetery.  To  Eugene  N.  and  Inez  (Olds) 
Tayntor  two  sons  were  born:  Lewis  Olds,  born  Nov.  3,  1886,  attended  the 
public  schools  of  Barre,  Vt.,  and  later  assigned  to  the  State  Department 
of  Health,  Maryland,  and  now  a  medical  student  at  the  University  of 
Maryland;  and  Clark  Olds,  born  Oct.  10,  1892,  mention  of  whom  is  made 
below. 

Clark  Olds  Tayntor  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Barre,  Vt., 
from  whicli  he  was  graduated  in  1911.  Four  years  later  he  received  his 
degree  from  Yale  University  and  then  entered  the  Law  School  of  Har- 
vard University.  During  his  senior  year  there  he  volunteered  for  service 
during  the  World  War  and  served  overseas  with  the  47th  Infantry  as  a 
first  lieutenant.  He  was  severely  wounded  during  the  second  battle  of 
the  Marne,  on  July  28,  1918,  and  was  later  with  the  Army  of  Occupation 
in  Germany.  He  was  awarded  the  distinguished  service  cross  by  Gen. 
John  J.  Pershing  in  the  absence  of  the  president,  for  bravery  in  action. 
He  resigned  his  commission  Jan.  20,  1920,  and  returned  to  Harvard  Law 
School,  where  he  received  his  degree  in  1922.  Mr.  Tayntor  is  now  prac- 
ticing his  profession  in  Erie  and  is  connected  with  the  firm  of  Brooks, 
English  &  Quinn. 

Mrs.  Inez  Tayntor  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  belongs  to  the  Erie  County  Historical  Society  and  the  Daughters  of 


History  of  Erie  County  899 

the  American  Revolution.  She  and  her  family  have  always  been  well 
and  favorably  known  in  Pennsylvania  and  are  representative  of  the  best 
citizenship  of  the  state. 

C.  L.  Blair,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  coal  business  at  Albion, 
was  born  at  Corwith,  Iowa,  Jan.  17,  1879,  and  is  the  son  of  Cyrus  and 
Delia  (Raymond)  Blair. 

Cyrus  Blair,  a  native  of  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  died  in  1885  when  his 
son  was  but  six  years  of  age.  His  widow  then  went  west  with  her 
daughters.  Bertha  and  Lottie,  where  they  made  their  home.  C.  L.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch,  was  reared  and  educated  by  his  grandfather,  Hugh 
Blair,  a  well  known  farmer  of  Crawford  County,  who  died  in  1897. 

At  an  early  age  C.  L.  Blair  entered  the  employ  of  the  Bessemer  Rail- 
road as  a  freight  trainman  and  was  later  made  conductor.  He  has  been 
in  the  employ  of  this  company  for  21  years  and  is  also  interested  in  the 
coal  business  at  Albion. 

In  1903  Mr.  Blair  was  married  at  Buffalo,  to  Miss  Lottie  G.  Peters,  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania.  They  have  three  children:  Stanley,  born  Oct.  8, 
1907;  Doris,  born  Aug.  6,  1920;  and  Harold,  born  Feb.  13,  1922. 

Mr.  Blair  is  affiliated  with  the  B.  of  R.  T.  He  is  esteemed  throughout 
the  community  as  a  substantial  and  reliable  citizen. 

Willis  F.  Wolf,  who  lives  retired  at  North  East,  was  for  many  years 
a  leading  farmer  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  Mill  Creek  Township, 
July  16,  1857,  and  is  the  son  of  Isaac  and  Eliza   (Meyers)  Wolf. 

Isaac  Wolf,  deceased,  was  a  member  of  one  of  the  pioneer  families 
of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Pa.,  April  11,  1827, 
the  son  of  Cyrus  and  Mary  (Piatt)  Wolf.  They  came  from  their  native 
county  of  Lancaster  to  Mill  Creek  Township  in  1838.  Isaac  Wolf  was  a 
prosperous  farmer  during  his  life  and  died  Aug.  15,  1904.  His  wife,  a 
native  of  Fairview  Township,  Erie  County,  was  born  Oct.  7,  1832,  and 
died  March  7,  1909.  The  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wolf  were:  Clara, 
married  F.  J.  Moore,  lives  in  Philadelphia ;  Perry  A.,  lives  at  Ripley,  N.  Y. ; 
Willis  F.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Edward,  who  died  in  infancy;  Frank, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  19  years;  Nelson,  a  fruit  farmer,  lives  at  State 
Line;  Mary,  married  John  Beatty,  deceased,  and  she  lives  at  North  East; 
Charles,  a  fruit  farmer,  lives  at  Ripley,  N.  Y. ;  and  Boyd,  lives  at  State  Line. 

Willis  F.  Wolf  was  reared  and  educated  in  North  East  Township,  his 


900  History  of  Erie  County 

family  having  removed  here  when  he  was  three  years  of  age.  For  many 
years  he  specialized  in  the  raising  of  fruit  and  owned  67  acres  of  well 
improved  land  on  the  State  Line  Road,  which  he  sold  in  1912.  He  has  since 
lived  retired  in  North  East. 

Mr.  Wolf  was  married  to  Miss  Elsie  Cora  Wolsey,  a  native  of  Elk 
Creek  Township,  Erie  County,  who  was  born  June  27,  1860,  and  died  Feb. 
3,  1915.  To  them  three  children  were  born:  Ford,  born  Oct.  10,  1882,  a 
hardware  merchant  at  Ripley,  N.  Y. ;  Frank  Levi,  lives  in  Girard  Township, 
Erie  County ;  and  Mrs.  Bessie  Grimshaw,  who  lives  in  Girard  Township. 
Mr.  Wolf  was  married  later  to  Miss  Alice  Newton,  deceased.  He  was  mar- 
ried the  third  time  to  Mrs.  Jennie  T.  Ross,  the  widow  of  William  Ross, 
and  she  died  March  23,  1924.  His  fourth  wife  was  Miss  Lucy  Fellows,  a 
native  of  Albion,  and  a  daughter  of  Jonathan  and  Altha  (Bradish)  Fel- 
lows, both  deceased. 

Mr.  Wolf  is  a  substantial  citizen  of  his  community. 

John  Depinet  is  among  the  honored  and  well  known  residents  of  Ei'ie, 
where  he  was  born  Nov.  14,  1855.  He  is  the  son  of  Michael  and  Mary 
(Ehret)  Depinet,  natives  of  Alsace-Loraine  and  Germany,  respectively, 
who  emigrated  and  located  in  Erie  in  1853.  He  was  a  prominent  build- 
ing contractor  and  died  in  1881.     His  wife  died  in  1856. 

John  Depinet  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  and  Erie  Academy, 
and  in  1877  accepted  a  position  as  bookkeeper  in  the  office  of  William 
Densmore.  After  five  years'  faithful  service  in  this  capacity,  he  became 
a  member  of  the  firm  of  William  Densmore  &  Company,  and  traveled 
in  the  interest  of  the  company.  In  1890  he  was  elected  register  and  re- 
corder of  Erie  County  and  re-elected  in  1893.  From  1897  until  1903  he 
operated  the  Erie  Stove  Works  and  in  1898  was  elected  mayor  of  Erie, 
which  office  he  filled  in  a  most  competent  manner  for  three  years.  In 
1906  Mr.  Depinet  moved  to  New  Orleans,  La.,  where  he  represented  the 
first  motion  picture  firm  of  that  city.  He  returned  to  Erie  in  1916  and 
was  appointed  court  crier  in  1921,  which  position  he  still  holds. 

Mr.  Depinet  was  married  on  Oct.  2,  1882,  to  Miss  Jessie,  only  daughter 
of  William  and  Harriet  (Dewey)  Densmore,  of  Erie.  She  was  born  May 
30,  1858,  and  died  in  1900.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Depinet  two  sons  were  born: 
Fred  Ehret,  born  Sept.  16,  1886,  married  Marie  Roberts  of  Erie,  and  they 
reside  at  Gardner,  Mass.,  where  he  is  treasurer  and  office  manager  of  the 
W.  0.  Siebert  &  Company;  and  Ned  Everett,  born  Sept.  9,  1890,  married 


History  of  Erie  County  901 

Alida  Kammac  of  Dallas,  Texas,  and  they  reside  in  New  York  City,  where 
he  is  sales  manager  for  the  Universal  Film  Company  of  New  York. 

Mr.  Depinet  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Elks  lodge  and  he  also 
is  a  member  of  Perry  Lodge  No.  392,  Masonic  Blue  Lodge,  Commandery 
and  Shrine.  Public  spirited  and  with  the  best  interests  of  the  community 
at  heart,  he  is  ever  ready  to  support  and  encourage  by  his  means  and  in- 
fluence all  worthy  enterprises  of  a  public  or  charitable  nature. 

E.  Sears  McCumber  is  a  progressive  and  enterprising  business  man 
of  Erie,  where  he  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  advertising  business.  He 
vras  born  at  Franklin  Center,  Erie  County,  Aug.  13,  1893,  and  is  the  son 
of  William  M.  and  Minnie  (Sears)  McCumber. 

William  M.  McCumber  was  a  native  of  Albion,  Pa.,  where  he  was  born 
Aug.  24,  1862.  He  engaged  in  the  blacksmith  trade  for  a  number  of  years 
and  was  also  a  prosperous  farmer.  He  died  in  February,  1919,  and  is 
buried  at  Wellsburg,  Pa.  His  wife,  who  was  born  at  Cassadaga,  N.  Y., 
lives  in  Erie.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McCumber,  who  were  married  at  Albion,  Pa., 
June  20,  1889,  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  E.  Sears,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch;  Leo  B.,  born  at  French  Creek,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  20,  1897, 
mention  of  whom  is  made  below;  Vernon,  born  Nov.  3,  1898,  married  Opal 
Curtiss,  of  Cranesville,  Pa. ;  Norine,  born  May  9,  1900,  married  Clifford 
A.  Peters,  a  farmer,  lives  at  Cranesville,  Pa.;  Clara,  born  Nov.  18,  1902, 
nuarried  Earl  Goodenow,  a  farmer,  lives  at  Cranesville,  Pa. ;  and  Enola, 
born  Sept.  5,  1904,  lives  at  Wesleyville,  Pa. 

Leo  B.  McCumber  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was  stationed 
at  Debarkation  Hospital  No.  6,  New  York  city,  and  while  there  contracted 
diphtheria.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Dorothea  Burett,  of  Erie,  and  they 
reside  in  this  city. 

E.  Sears  McCumber  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  French 
Creek  and  Sherman,  N.  Y.,  and  after  his  graduation  from  high  school  he 
engaged  in  farming  until  1916,  at  which  time  he  c^me  to  Erie  as  adver- 
tising manager  for  the  Osborne,  Norman  &  Zahniser  Company.  On  March 
1,  1924,  he  established  the  E.  Sears  McCumber  Advertising  Agency,  w-hich 
is  located  in  the  Hayes  Building.  He  is  also  owner  of  the  E.  Sears  Mc- 
Cumber Advertising  Agency  of  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  which  was  established 
in  April,  1924.  They  specialize  in  market  research  work,  sales  develop- 
ment, merchandizing  ideas,  and  the  planning,  preparing  and  placing  of 
advertising  for  manufacturers  and  business  concerns.     In  1923  Mr.  Mc- 


902  History  of  Erie  County 

Cumber  organized  a  class  in  Salesmanship  and  Advertising  at  the  Academy 
High  School,  which  is  held  three  evenings  each  week. 

On  Aug.  29,  1914,  Mr.  McCumber  was  married  to  Miss  Hazel  Perdue, 
of  Ripley,  N.  Y.,  who  was  born  there  Aug.  29,  1893,  the  daughter  of 
George  and  Clara  (Cummings)  Perdue,  residents  of  Ripley.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  McCumber  have  been  born  five  children:  G.  Maurice,  born  Sept.  1, 
1915;  Vera  Louise,  born  March  23,  1917;  W.  Harold,  born  Aug.  19,  1919; 
Mazie  Magdalen,  born  Feb.  17,  1921;  and  Earnest  Douglas,  born  March 
26,  1923. 

Mr.  McCumber  was  one  of  the  organizers  and  is  a  charter  member  of 
the  Erie  Advertising  Club.  He  served  as  secretary  and  treasurer  and  as 
a  member  of  the  board  of  directors  for  two  years. 

Lowell  M,  Little,  deceased,  was  a  well  known  business  man  and  lead- 
ing citizen  of  Erie.  He  was  a  native  of  Ohio,  born  at  Aurora,  Portage 
County,  Jan.  1,  1847.  In  1865  he  came  to  Erie  and  entered  the  office  of 
the  American  Express  Company,  but  later  was  transferred  to  Titusville, 
Pa.  While  residing  there  he  became  connected  with  the  Titusville  Na- 
tional Bank,  but  in  1870  returned  to  Erie,  where  he  remained  until  his 
death.  He  served  as  secretary  and  director  of  the  W.  L.  Scott  Coal  Com- 
pany for  30  years,  relinquishing  his  position  only  when  compelled  to  re- 
tire from  active  business  on  account  of  failing  health.  For  many  years 
he  was  also  a  director  of  the  First  National  Bank.  His  ability,  fidelity, 
and  elevating  influence  made  him  a  Welcome  and  a  prominent  personage 
in  the  specific  circles  of  religious  and  charitable  workers.  In  the  Park 
Presbyterian  Church  he  was  a  strong  supporting  pillar  for  many  years, 
being  long  the  leader  of  its  choir,  for  eight  years  superintendent  of  the 
Sunday  School,  and  during  the  last  three  years  of  his  life  one  of  its  elders. 
He  was  also  for  some  time  president  of  the  local  organization  of  the  Y.  M. 
C.  A.,  and  held  other  positions  on  the  boards  of  various  religious,  charit- 
able, and  benevolent  bodies.  Fully  alive  to  the  elevating  effects  of  a  gen- 
eral mental  enlightenment  upon  the  public,  he  was  always  a  firm  and 
earnest  supporter  of  the  city  library,  being  one  of  its  original  trustees. 

In  1872  Mr.  Little  married  Susan  Brewster,  daughter  of  Alexander  W. 
Brewster.  Her  father  was  a  native  of  Allegheny  County,  Pa.,  born  in 
1796,  and  in  1806  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  Erie,  where  he  became  a 
leading  citizen.  He  served  as  sheriff  of  Erie  County,  was  the  last  burgess 
of  the  city,  and  held  other  honorable  offices.    Mr.  Brewster  died  May  26, 


History  of  Erie  County  903 

1851,  and  his  was  the  first  interment  in  Erie  cemetery,  of  which  he  was 
one  of  the  incorporators.  His  wife,  (nee  Susan  M.  Jones)  was  a  native  of 
Connecticut  and  died  in  1886.  Susan  (Brewster)  Little  was  born  in  Erie, 
Oct.  29,  1839.  She  has  spent  her  entire  life  in  this  city  and  now  resides 
at  254  West  9th  Street.  She  is  a  member  of  the  Park  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  like  her  husband,  has  always  taken  an  active  part  in  all  church  work. 
To  Lowell  M.  and  Susan  (Brewster)  Little  a  daughter  was  born,  Mar- 
garet, born  in  Erie  in  1879.  She  was  married  to  F.  A.  Cleveland,  a  native 
of  Palmyra,  N.  Y.,  born  Aug.  1,  1876.  He  was  graduated  from  Cornell 
University  in  1899,  and  was  a  member  of  the  Phi  Beta  Kappa  fraternity. 
He  was  a  professor  of  modern  history  at  Bryn  Mawr  College,  and  died 
at  Saranac  Lake,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  15,  1914.  He  is  buried  in  Erie  cemetery. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cleveland  were  born  two  daughters:  Susan  Brewster, 
born  June  15,  1904;  and  Catharine  Aldrich,  born  at  Fryburg,  Germany, 
April  2,  1910.  They  are  students  at  Vassar  College.  Mrs.  Cleveland,  who 
resides  with  her  mother  in  Erie,  is  also  a  member  of  the  Park  Presbyter- 
ian Church.  She  is  a  member  of  the  Women's  Club,  the  League  of  Women 
Voters,  the  Council  of  Republican  Women,  and  the  Kahkwa  and  Erie 
Yacht  clubs.  Her  mother  is  a  member  of  the  Daughters  of  the  Anxerican 
Revolution. 

M.  H.  Lee,  proprietor  of  the  Perry  Electric  Company,  is  well  known 
in  Erie  as  a  progressive  business  man.  He  was  born  at  Corry,  Pa.,  June 
26,  1881,  and  is  the  son  of  W.  H.  and  Phoebe  (Hall)  Lee. 

W.  H.  Lee  was  born  at  Little  Valley,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  2,  1829,  and  his  wife 
was  a  native  of  Castleton,  Vt.,  born  April  14,  1847.  He  died  in  1900  and 
his  wife  died  in  1917,  and  they  are  buried  at  Corry.  Mr.  Lee  was  a  build- 
ing contractor  and  for  a  number  of  years  was  superintendent  of  bridges 
and  general  purchasing  agent  for  the  old  Cross  Cut  Railroad. 

M.  H.  Lee  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  at  Corry  and 
when  a  young  man  learned  the  mattress  making  trade.  In  1900  he  became 
interested  in  the  electric  business  and  in  1915  purchased  a  half  interest 
in  the  Perry  Electric  Company.  Two  years  later  he  became  sole  owner 
of  the  business.  He  is  the  local  agent  for  the  Philadelphia  Storage  Bat- 
tery Company  and  also  the  Electric  Storage  Battery  Company  of  Phila- 
delphia. He  does  general  repair  work  on  all  kinds  of  batteries.  He  has  a 
well  equipped  shop  at  217  West  11th  Street.  Mr.  Lee  handles  the  Walker 
and  Steinmetz  Electric  street  trucks. 


904  History  of  Erie  Counts.' 

On  Feb.  7,  1906,  Mr.  Lee  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Pearl  Noble 
of  Tidioute,  Pa.,  born  Dec.  19,  1882,  and  the  daughter  of  Andrew  J.  and 
Amelia  (Bishop)  Noble,  both  deceased.  Mr.  Noble  served  throughout  the 
Civil  War  as  a  member  of  the  83rd  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Lee  have  five  children:  Maurice  J.,  born  Dec.  17,  1906,  a  student 
at  Central  High  School;  Alice  Virginia,  born  Feb.  4,  1910,  a  student  at 
Central  High  School;  Paul  Noble,  born  Aug.  18,  1911,  a  student  at  Gridley 
Junior  High  School ;  Evelyn  Elizabeth,  born  Sept.  17,  1914,  a  student  at 
Longfellow  school;  and  Muriel  Lucille,  born  Feb.  28,  1920. 

Mr.  Lee  is  a  Republican,  a  32nd  degree  Mason,  and  a  member  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Peter  Leuschen  is  among  the  highly  esteemed  and  well  known 
pioneers  of  Erie  and  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War.  He  was  born  in  Buffalo, 
N.  Y.,  Jan.  5,  1849,  and  is  the  son  of  Mathias  and  Katherina  (Uhlmann) 
Leuschen. 

Mathias  Leuschen  was  a  native  of  Prussia  and  his  wife  was  born  in 
Wurtemberg,  Germany.  He  was  a  Prussian  soldier  and  emigrated  to 
America  in  1843  and  settled  in  Buffalo,  where  he  was  married  Feb.  23, 
1846.  In  June,  1849,  he  came  to  Erie,  where  he  died  Aug.  6,  1869.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Leuschen  the  following  children  were  born:  Nickolas  L., 
a  prominent  politician  in  Erie  for  a  number  of  years  and  well  known 
dry  cleaner,  died  Oct.  7,  1896;  Elizabeth,  married  Loth  Mader,  who  died 
in  March,  1911,  and  she  lives  at  1623  Cherry  Street,  Erie;  Lena,  married 
Frank  Winchel,  lives  at  423  East  11th  Street,  Erie;  George,  born  in  1855 
and  died  in  1894;  Frank,  agriculturist,  lives  on  West  Lake  Road,  Fair- 
view  Township,  Erie  County;  Henry,  an  electrical  engineer  for  Scott  & 
Company  of  Erie,  who  died  in  March,  1912 ;  and  Peter,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 

Peter  Leuschen  spent  his  boyhood  in  Erie  and  attended  the  public 
schools.  He  was  connected  with  the  Erie  &  Pittsburgh  Railroad  for  nine 
years,  was  superintendent  of  Shaw's  Laundry  for  16  years,  and  on  Jan.  1, 
1913,  was  appointed  tipstaff  by  the  judges  of  Erie  County,  which  office 
he  now  holds. 

Mr.  Leuschen  was  married  at  New  Castle,  Pa.,  to  Miss  Mary  Lincoln, 
of  Warsaw,  N.  Y.,  who  died  in  November,  1911.  She  was  the  daughter  of 
J.  and  Eleanor  (Barber)  Lincoln,  natives  of  Vermont  and  Warsaw,  N.  Y., 
respectively.    They  are  deceased.    To  Peter  and  Mary  (Lincoln)  Leuschen 


PETER  LEUSCHEN 


History  of  Erie  County  905 

a  son  was  born,  Nicholas  G.,  who  lives  at  118  West  25th  Street,  Erie, 
He  was  born  April  5,  1878,  and  was  married  to  Miss  Clara  Kern  of  Erie, 
and  they  have  two  children,  Marion  and  George.  Mr.  Leuschen  is  a  clerk 
in  the  employ  of  the  Erie  Police  Department. 

Mr.  Leuschen  is  a  member  of  the  Strong  Vincent  Post  No.  67  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic,  and  is  past  commander.  He  is  an  honorary  mem- 
ber of  the  Veterans  of  Foreign  Wars  and  belongs  to  the  Elks 
Lodge  No.  67.  In  July,  1864,  Mr.  Leuschen  enlisted  in  the  U.  S.  Navy 
and  was  immediately  assigned  to  the  West  Gulf  Blockading  squad- 
ron, and  he  remained  there  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  then 
transferred  across  the  Isthmus  of  Panama  to  join  the  U.  S.  S.  Lancaster. 
The  French  had  armed  troops  on  American  soil  and  were  ordered 
to  withdraw,  and  it  was  at  this  time  that  Maximilian,  the  French  em- 
peror of  Mexico,  was  arrested  and  executed  in  1867.  Mr.  Leuschen  then 
sailed  around  Cape  Horn,  arriving  in  Norfolk,  Va.,  in  March,  1867,  where 
he  was  discharged.  Upon  his  arrival  in  Philadelphia  he  found  that  Captain 
Landman  was  recruiting  former  service  men  to  make  a  tour  of  Europe 
with  Admiral  Farragut  in  command.  He  enlisted  and  went  on  the  U.  S.  S. 
Franklin  and  while  on  this  trip  in  Europe  was  received  by  all  the  crowned 
heads  of  Europe.  Upon  his  return  to  this  country  he  served  on  various 
ships  until  1870,  when  he  was  discharged  and  returned  to  civilian  life  in 
Erie. 

Mr.  Leuschen  has  an  extensive  acquaintance  in  Erie  County  and 
stands  high  in  the  community. 

John  A.  Ignasiak,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  in 
Erie,  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was  born  in  Poland,  June  1,  1892, 
and  is  the  son  of  Stanislaw  and  Mary  (Teclaw)  Ignasiak. 

Stanislaw  Ignasiak  and  his  wife,  now  deceased,  were  natives  of  Poland 
where  they  spent  their  entire  lives.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  follow- 
ing children:  Bronislawa,  lives  in  Poland;  Valentine,  lives  in  Poland; 
Frances,  lives  in  Erie;  Catherine,  lives  in  Poland;  and  John  A.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch. 

John  A.  Ignasiak  received  his  early  education  in  his  native  land  and  in 
Germany  and  cam)e  to  this  country  in  1900.  He  was  graduated  from  St. 
Stanislaw's  School,  Erie,  and  from  St.  Mary's  College,  Orchard  Lake,  Mich., 
in  1909.  After  two  years  post-graduate  work  at  the  latter  institution 
he  entered  Georgetown  University,  Washington,  D.  C,  in  1911,  where  he 


906  History  of  Erie  County 

received  his  degree  in  law  in  1914.  During  the  years  1913  and  1914  he 
was  also  a  student  at  George  Washington  University,  from  which  he  re- 
ceived his  degree  as  Bachelor  of  Arts  in  1914.  In  1914  Mr.  Ignasiak  en- 
tered the  law  firm  of  Charles  Haughney  and  F.  L.  Camp,  with  whom  he 
remained  until  February,  1915,  when  he  estabhshed  his  own  practice. 
His  offices  are  located  at  402  Ariel  Building. 

During  the  World  War  Mr.  Ignasiak  volunteered  for  service  on  June 
28,  1918,  and  served  with  the  Quartermaster's  Corps,  as  a  member  of 
Company  C,  Headquarters,  331st  Service  Battalion.  The  month  follow- 
ing his  enlistment  he  was  sent  to  France  where  he  was  in  active  service 
until  the  close  of  the  war. 

On  July  15,  1920,  Mr.  Ignasiak  was  married  to  Miss  Cecile  M.  Mrovka, 
a  native  of  Johnstown,  Pa.,  born  Nov.  18,  1892,  and  the  daughter  of  Val- 
entine and  Anastasia  (Rezler)  Mrovka,  natives  of  Poland.  Mr.  Mrovka 
is  deceased  and  his  widow  resides  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ignasiak.  A  son, 
Frank  E.  Mrovka,  is  an  attorney  at  Johnstown,  Pa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ignasiak 
have  a  son,  John  F.,  born  May  11,  1921. 

Major  Charles  E.  Sykes  is  among  the  highly  esteemed  and  well  known 
citizens  of  Erie,  where  he  is  identified  with  the  Volunteers  of  America. 
He  was  born  at  Carlisle,  Pa.,  June  22,  1860,  and  is  the  son  of  William  and 
Catherine  (Miller)  Sykes. 

William  Sykes  was  born  in  Perry  County,  Pa.,  the  son  of  Henry  Sykes, 
of  Huddersfield,  Yorkshire,  England,  who  came  to  this  country  when  a 
small  boy.  William  Sykes  died  in  1884,  and  is  buried  in  Nebraska.  His 
wife,  a  native  of  Hopewell,  Pa.,  married  a  second  time  to  William  Gibson, 
of  Carlisle,  Pa.,  and  a  n^echanical  engineer.  She  died  Aug.  2,  1890,  and  is 
buried  in  Williamsport,  Pa.  To  William  and  Catherine  (Miller)  Sykes 
nine  children  were  born,  seven  of  whom  are  now  living. 

Charles  E.  Sykes  was  four  years  old  when  he  left  Carlisle,  Pa.,  with  his 
mother  and  step-father  to  go  west.  They  lived  for  a  short  time  in  Fort 
Wayne,  Ind.,  and  then  moved  on  to  Oskaloosa,  Iowa,  and  later  to  Newbern, 
Iowa.  There  they  became  part  of  a  caravan  consisting  of  32  covered 
prairie  schooners,  which  had  formed  along  the  way.  When  they  reached 
Lincoln,  Neb.,  it  was  incorporated  as  a  boro.  The  trip  required  seven 
weeks  and  settled  at  Idaho  Springs,  Colo.  It  was  here  that  Mr.  Sykes 
received  his  early  education  and  his  step-father  engaged  in  the  lumber 
business  and  became  one  of  the  prominent  citizens  of  the  town.    Mr.  Gib- 


History  of  Erie  County  907 

son  was  a  candidate  for  the  first  house  of  representatives  when  Colorado 
came  into  statehood.  After  his  death,  Mrs.  Sykes  and  her  son  returned 
to  Williamsport,  Pa.,  where  he  resided  until  1892.  While  living  in  the 
west  he  attended  the  State  University  of  Colorado  in  1878-79.  In  1892 
Mr.  Sykes  went  west  again  to  Denver,  Colo.,  where  he  remained  until  his 
wife's  death  in  1897,  after  which  he  took  up  his  residence  in  San  Diego, 
Calif.,  where  he  became  associated  with  the  Volunteers  of  America.  Dur- 
ing the  latter  part  of  1897  he  was  ordered  to  Chicago,  becoming  attached 
to  the  Northwestern  Territorial  Division  of  the  Volunteers  of  America. 
From  there  he  was  sent  out  as  musical  director  of  the  traveling  brigade 
in  the  interest  of  spiritual  work.  In  1903  Mr.  Sykes  was  transferred  to 
San  Francisco,  Calif.,  and  remained  there  until  1906.  He  was  located 
there  at  the  time  of  the  earthquake  and  rendered  splendid  service  to  the 
stricken  area.  Mr.  Sykes  was  transferred  to  Pittsburgh  in  1906  to  the 
Central  Regiment  and  since  coming  to  Erie  has  proven  an  active  and  will- 
ing worker  in  this  good  service. 

On  June  9,  1886,  Mr.  Sykes  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Alice 
Peeling,  of  Williamsport,  Pa.,  and  she  died  in  Denver,  Colo.,  in  1896  and 
is  buried  in  Wildwood  cemetery,  Williamsport,  Pa.  To  them  were  born 
three  children:  Charles  E.,  born  Sept.  26,  1891,  an  electrical  engineer, 
Williamsport,  Pa.;  Louise,  born  Oct.  4,  1889,  married  M.  Plankenhorn, 
manufacturer,  Williamsport,  Pa.;  and  Catherine,  born  April  22,  1888, 
married  George  Darlington,  a  banker,  Westchester,  Pa. 

On  Aug.  31,  1908,  Mr.  Sykes  married  Mrs.  Carrie  Lawton,  of  McKees- 
port.  Pa.,  born  March  13,  1861. 

Mr.  Sykes  is  identified  with  the  Democratic  party  in  politics  and  is 
affiliated  with  all  the  Masonic  bodies  as  follows :  Knights  of  Templar,  32nd 
degree,  and  the  Zem  Zem  Shrine.  He  lives  at  212  East  11th  Street. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sykes  have  a  wide  circle  of  friends  in  Erie  County  and  are 
well  liked. 

Mrs.  Josephine  (Moeller)  Paasch  is  one  of  the  women  of  Erie  who 
has  lived  a  long  and  useful  life  and  made  every  year  count  for  the  good 
of  her  own  family  and  the  community  in  general.  She  was  born  at 
Flensburg,  Holstein,  Germany,  Jan.  23,  1847,  the  daughter  of  Frederick 
A.  and  Marinka  (Jensen)  Moeller. 

Frederick  A.  Moeller  served  throughout  the  Civil  War  and  also  served 
six  years  on  the  U.  S.  S.  Michigan  on  Lake  Erie,  which  is  now  the  U.  S.  S. 


908  History  of  Erie  County 

Wolverine.  He  was  born  at  Keil,  Germany,  in  1810,  and  was  a  ship- 
builder. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moeller,  deceased,  are  buried  in  Erie  cenietei-y. 
They  had  two  children:  Josephine,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  George 
P.  Moeller,  born  in  1852,  married  Lena  Fischer  of  Erie,  and  they  reside  at 
302  Peach  Street,  Erie. 

Josephine  Moeller  was  born  in  Germany  and  in  1866  she  was  married 
to  John  D.  Paasch,  a  native  of  Germany,  born  Dec.  3,  1839.  He  was  a 
prominent  shipbuilder  of  Erie  for  many  years  and  died  March  3,  1893. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Paasch  the  following  children  were  born:  William  D., 
died  Nov.  26,  1923;  Fred  E.,  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Paasch  Bros.,  ship- 
builders ;  John  E.,  also  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Paasch  Bros.,  was  mar- 
ried to  Anna  M.  Burns,  and  they  live  at  21  East  2nd  Street,  Erie;  Lena 
M.,  office  manager  for  the  firm,  lives  with  her  mother;  Louise  M.,  a 
teacher  at  McKinley  School,  lives  at  home;  and  Laura  C.,  a  teacher  at 
Perry  School,  lives  at  home. 

Misses  Laura  C.  and  Louise  M.  Paasch  were  educated  in  the  public 
schools  of  Erie  and  after  completing  their  high  school  courses  they  were 
graduated  from  the  city  normal  school.  They  are  members  of  the  Teach- 
ers' Association. 

The  Paasch  homestead  is  at  215  West  Front  Street  and  the  members 
of  this  pioneer  family  of  Erie  County  are  excellent  citizens  who  hold  the 
respect  of  the  entire  community. 

Leonard  T.  McEIroy,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  manufacturing 
business  at  Corry,  is  a  prominent  citizen  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born 
in  Corry,  Aug.  6,  1886,  and  is  the  son  of  William  and  Susie  (Davis)  Mc- 
EIroy. 

William  McElroy  was  born  at  Toronto,  Canada,  April  14,  1847,  and 
was  married  at  Lawrence,  Kan.,  Aug.  14,  1870,  to  Susie  Davis,  who  v/as 
born  July  5,  1849.  He  died  Oct.  7,  1916,  and  his  wife  died  March  27, 
1913.    They  are  buried  in  Pine  Grove  cemetery,  Corry. 

Leonard  T.  McElroy  was  reared  and  educated  in  Corry.  His  first 
business  experience  was  as  an  apprentice  mechanic  with  the  Trill  Indi- 
cator Company  of  Corry.  He  was  appointed  manager  of  the  works  in 
1910  and  remained  in  their  employ  until  1916,  when  with  three  other 
business  men  he  established  the  Standard  Screw  Company,  which  was 
reorganized  the  following  year  as  the  Standard  Turnbuckle  Company. 
During  the  World  War  the  plant  employed  900  men  and  produced  about 
two-thirds  of  all  the  turnbuckles  used  by  the  government.    Contracts  were 


History  of  Erie  County  909 

also  made  with  the  British  government.  After  the  close  of  the  war  Mr. 
McElroy  began  the  manufacture  of  automobile  parts,  as  well  as  turn- 
buckles,  and  in  1920,  the  company  became  known  as  the  Standard  Auto- 
matic Products  Company.  At  the  present  time  it  is  the  only  plant  in  the 
world  manufacturing  aeronautical  turnbuckles.  About  ten  percent  of  the 
company's  products  are  used  by  the  U.  S.  navy  and  U.  S.  air  service.  The 
N.  C.  4,  which  was  the  first  airplane  to  cross  the  Atlantic  ocean,  the  Shen- 
andoah, and  the  "Around  the  World  Planes"  were  equipped  with  turn- 
buckles  made  at  this  plant.  The  automobile  products  are  used  by  the 
Studebaker  Corporation,  Chevrolet  Corporation,  Hupmobile  and  Paige  Mo- 
tor Company.  Mr.  McElroy,  who  is  general  manager  and  superintendent 
of  the  plant,  was  awarded  a  medal  at  the  Panama  Exposition  in  1915  for 
a  new  type  of  rolling  engine  indicator,  designed  by  him. 

On  Feb.  9,  1906,  Mr.  McElroy  was  married  to  Miss  Rosa  B.  Munn, 
who  was  born  at  Corry,  July  27,  1889,  and  the  daughter  of  Charles  W.  and 
Matilda  Belle  (Leach)  Munn,  residents  of  Corry.  Mr.  Munn  was  born 
Oct.  17,  1858,  and  his  wife  was  born  Aug.  17,  1862.  They  have  five  chil- 
dren: Grace,  born  Aug.  7,  1882,  died  in  infancy;  Mrs.  McElroy;  Charles, 
born  July  4,  1891,  lives  at  Corry;  Bertram,  born  Nov.  7,  1893,  died  in 
1894;  and  Earl,  born  Nov.  29,  1895,  lives  in  Corry.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
McElroy  six  children  have  been  born:  Walter  L.,  born  June  25,  1907,  a 
student  at  Carnegie  Institute  of  Technology,  Pittsburgh ;  Grace,  born  July 
4,  1908,  died  Oct.  7,  1908 ;  Harold,  born  Feb.  10,  1910,  a  student  at  Junior 
High  School;  Mildred,  born  Jan.  6,  1912,  a  student  at  Concord  School, 
Corry;  Melvin,  born  Feb.  23,  1914;  and  Harmon,  born  Jan.  16,  1918. 

Mr.  McElroy  is  a  member  of  the  Corry  Country  Club  and  belongs  to 
the  Elks  lodge  and  Kiwanis  Club.  He  is  known  as  a  man  of  enterprise 
and  ability,  and  is  esteemed  as  a  progressive  business  man. 

Albert  E.  Nash,  a  veteran  of  the  World  War,  is  a  reliable  and  substan- 
tial young  business  man  of  Erie,  where  he  is  proprietor  of  the  Erie  Book 
store.  He  is  a  native  of  England,  born  at  Bristol,  March  7,  1891,  and  the 
son  of  Thomas  and  Edith  (Collins)  Nash. 

Thom.as  Nash,  who  now  lives  retired  in  England,  was  a  railroader  dur- 
ing his  active  career  and  was  employed  as  a  freight  agent.  He  and  his 
wife  are  the  parents  of  the  following  children :  Harold,  Rose,  Jessie,  Robert 
and  Arthui%  all  of  whom  live  in  England;  and  Albert  E.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 


910  History  of  Erie  County 

Albert  E.  Nash  grew  to  manhood  in  England  and  was  educated  in  the 
schools  there.  At  the  age  of  19  years  he  came  to  this  country  and  lived 
in  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  where  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  General  Elec- 
tric Company.  In  October,  1921,  he  resigned  his  position  with  this  com- 
pany as  electrical  engineer  and  purchased  the  Harris  Book  Store  in  Erie, 
which  is  now  known  as  the  Erie  Book  Store.  Mr.  Nash  carries  a  com- 
plete line  of  books,  magazines,  and  greeting  cards,  and  also  has  a  large 
circulating  library.    The  shop  is  located  at  17  East  8th  Street. 

On  Aug.  27,  1913,  Mr.  Nash  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Olive 
Ellis,  of  Kent,  England,  born  Dec.  31,  1888,  and  the  daughter  of  James 
and  Harriet  (Dence)  Ellis,  natives  of  England.  Mr.  Ellis  died  at  Marden, 
England,  and  his  wife  died  in  Schenectady,  N.  Y. 

During  the  World  War  Mr.  Nash  volunteered  for  service  and  was  in 
France  with  Evacuation  Hospital  No.  6.  He  was  personally  cited  for 
meritorious  service  by  General  Pershing,  after  having  taken  part  in  the 
following  engagements:  Aisne  Marne  offensive;  Aisne  Marne  defensive; 
Saint  Mihiel ;  Meuse  Argonne ;  Chateau  Thierry. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nash  are  active  memibers  of  St.  Mary's  Episcopal  Church 
of  Lawrence  Park,  Erie,  both  being  Sunday  school  teachers.  He  is  af- 
filiated with  the  Masonic  lodge,  Knights  of  Pythias,  Elks  lodge,  and  Amer- 
ican Legion  and  Veterans  of  Foreign  Wars. 

Martin  C.  Cornell,  attorney,  is  a  well  known  citizen  of  Erie  and  a  mem- 
ber of  a  pioneer  family  of  Erie  County.  He  was  bom  at  Edinboro,  Pa., 
April  7,  1887,  and  is  the  son  of  George  Harper  and  Carrie  A.  (Beam) 
Cornell. 

George  Harper  Cornell  was  born  in  Washington  Township,  Erie  Coun- 
ty, March  23,  1860,  and  his  wife  was  born  Feb.  9,  1860.  He  died  in 
October,  1914,  and  his  widow  resides  at  Edinboro.  Mr.  Cornell  estab- 
lished a  tailoring  business  at  Edinboro  many  years  ago,  which  he  con- 
ducted until  the  time  of  his  appointment  as  justice  of  the  peace,  which 
office  he  held  for  four  consecutive  terms.  He  was  also  interested  in  the 
real  estate  business.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cornell  had  two  sons:  Martin  C,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Don  H.,  born  Jan.  27,  1893,  a  contractor,  lives 
at  Edinboro. 

After  receiving  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Edinboro, 
Martin  C.  Cornell  was  graduated  from  Edinboro  State  Normal  School  in 
1905.     He  then  entered  the  law  department  of  Georgetown  University, 


History  of  Erie  County  911 

Washington,  D.  C,  where  he  received  his  degree  in  1911.  He  then  came 
to  Erie  and  entered  the  law  firm  of  Brooks  &  English,  with  whom  he 
remained  for  five  years.  In  1916  he  established  his  own  offices  in  the 
Palace  Hardware  Building.  In  1925  he  located  his  office  at  16  East  8th 
Street.  Mr.  Cornell  was  admitted  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  District 
of  Coluni,bia  and  Court  of  Appeals  of  the  District  of  Columbia  in  1911 
and  the  following  year  was  admitted  to  the  Bar  of  Erie  County.  In  1917 
he  was  admitted  to  the  Supreme,  Federal  and  Superior  Courts.  Mr. 
Cornell  served  as  assistant  city  solicitor  of  Erie  for  six  years  and  in  1920 
was  appointed  city  solicitor  for  a  four-year  term. 

On  Feb.  26,  1910,  Mr.  Cornell  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Laura 
C.  Nicholson,  of  West  Mill  Creek  Township,  Erie  County,  born  July  26, 
1884,  and  the  daughter  of  Henry  Clay  and  Catherine  (Stein)  Nicholson, 
natives  of  Pennsylvania  and  both  now  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cornell 
had  a  daughter,  Betty  Cornell,  born  Aug.  6,  1911,  who  died  Aug.  7,  1911. 

Politically,  Mr.  Cornell  is  a  Democrat.  He  was  county  chairman  of 
the  Democratic  party  for  two  terms  and  was  secretary  for  six  terms.  In 
1920  he  was  a  delegate  to  the  Democratic  National  Convention  at  San 
Francisco  from  the  25th  Congressional  District  of  Erie  and  Crawford 
counties.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  his  wife  holds 
membership  in  the  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  identified  with  the  Elks 
lodge  and  was  a  delegate  to  the  Elks  National  Convention  held  at  Atlantic 
City  in  1918.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows, 
the  Phi  Alpha  Delta  fraternity,  the  Eagles  lodge,  the  Erie  Maennerchor, 
and  the  Erie  Yacht  Club.  Mr.  Cornell  is  an  able  man  in  his  profession, 
a  citizen  of  progressive  ideals,  and  a  man  highly  esteemed  in  Erie  County. 

G.  Clyde  Bennett  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  Erie,  where  he  is 
connected  with  the  Perry  Specialty  Company.  He  is  a  native  of  Union 
City,  Pa.,  born  Sept.  23,  1884,  and  the  son  of  George  F.  and  Lillian  E. 
(Reynolds)  Bennett. 

George  F.  Bennett  was  a  native  of  Union  City,  Pa.,  as  was  also  his 
wife.  Mr.  Bennett  served  throughout  the  Civil  War  in  Company  K, 
83rd  Reg.  Pa.  Vol.  Infantry.  He  is  deceased  and  she  lives  in  Erie  with 
her  son,  G.  Clyde.  They  also  had  a  daughter,  Elta,  who  married  W.  B. 
Emmerson,  and  they  live  at  Union  City. 

G.  Clyde  Bennett  grew  up  at  Union  City  and  after  his  graduation 
from  the  public  schools  he  entered  the  Ackerman  Business  College  there, 


912  History  of  Erie  County 

from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1900.  He  was  then  employed  as  a 
stenographer  for  two  years  with  the  American  Sterilizer  Company  of 
Erie  and  the  following  12  years  was  bookkeeper  for  the  United  States 
Horse  Shoe  Company.  He  was  later  a  salesman  for  the  A.  &  A.  Motor 
Company  for  six  years  and  in  1923  established  the  Perry  Specialty 
Company  in  partnership  with  Miss  Florence  Dawley  and  P.  E.  Yokes 
They  are  dealers  in  products  manufactured  by  the  Miller  Rubber  Com- 
pany of  Akron,  Ohio,  including  automobile  accessories  and  rubber  goods. 

In  1907  Mr.  Bennett  was  married  to  Miss  Edith  Wheeler  of  Erie,  and 
the  daughter  of  Lemuel  and  Anna  Wheeler.  They  have  two  daughters: 
Lillian  A.,  born  March  31,  1908,  a  student  at  Academy  High  School;  and 
Geraldine  May,  born  Feb.  4,  1913,  a  student  at  Lincoln  School. 

Mr.  Bennett  and  his  famil  yare  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
and  he  belongs  to  the  Elks  and  Moose  lodges. 

Otto  J.  Schweinhardt  is  an  enterprising  merchant  of  Erie,  engaged 
in  the  hardware  business  at  1806  Parade  Street.  He  was  born  in  Erie, 
June  9,  1892,  and  is  a  son  of  John  and  Dora  (Harding)  Schweinhardt. 

John  Schweinhardt,  who  now  lives  retired  at  2312  Holland  Street, 
was  an  early  settler  of  Erie,  having  come  here  from  Germany.  He  was 
successfully  engaged  in  the  dairy  business  until  the  time  of  his  retire- 
ment in  1912.  His  wife  died  in  1913.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schweinhardt  were 
the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Mrs.  Bertha  Gauley,  lives  in  Erie; 
Clara,  the  widow  of  C.  J.  Kissell,  lives  with  her  father;  Mrs.  Ida  Baerle, 
lives  in  Erie  where  her  husband  is  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business; 
and  Otto  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Otto  J.  Schweinhardt  attended  Garfield  School  in  Erie  and  Davis 
Business  College.  When  a  young  man  he  was  employed  by  his  father  in 
the  dairy  business  and  later,  became  connected  with  the  Wayne  Brewing 
Company.  On  Dec.  10,  1914,  Mr.  Schweinhardt  entered  the  employ  of 
the  Anchor  Line,  Pennsylvania  Railway  Company  in  Erie  as  a  messenger 
and  later  became  cashier  and  accountant.  He  resigned  from  that  position 
June  1,  1924  and  purchased  the  hardware  business  formerly  conducted 
by  his  brother-in-law,  C.  J.  Kissel,  who  died  April,  1924.  He  carries  a 
complete  line  of  hardware,  builders  supplies,  and  paints,  and  has  a  well 
established  business. 

On  May  6,  1918,  Mr.  Schweinhardt  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Margaret  E.  Baird,  of  Renovo,  Pa.,  the  daughter  of  Herbert  L.  and  Mar- 


OTTO   J.   SCHWEINHARDT 


History  of  Erie  County  913 

garet  Baird,  residents  of  Erie.    To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schweinhardt  one  daugh- 
ter has  been  born,  Jean  Baird,  born  Dec.  10,  1920. 

Mr.  Schweinhardt  and  his  family  are  members  of  St.  John's  Lutheran 
Church. 

Porter  K.  Riblet,  retired,  is  among  the  highly  esteemed  and  represen- 
tative citizens  of  Erie,  where  he  has  spent  practically  his  entire  life.  He 
was  born  in  this  city,  Feb.  26,  1858,  and  is  the  son  of  John  E.  and  Eliza 
Jane  (Collins)  Riblet. 

John  E.  Riblet  was  born  March  20,  1815,  and  died  June  5,  1880.  He 
was  a  merchant  during  his  life  and  also  engaged  in  the  contracting  busi- 
ness in  Erie.  His  wife  was  born  Dec.  20,  1824,  and  is  also  deceased.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Riblet,  who  were  married  in  1846,  have  five  children,  as  follows: 
Annetta  M.,  born  Feb.  11,  1848,  married  Aug.  6,  1878,  to  John  P.  O'Fla- 
herty,  an  attorney,  and  she  died  Feb.  20,  1917 ;  John  E.,  born  Feb.  2,  1850, 
married  March  18,  1873,  to  Elsina  Gates,  deceased,  and  he  lives  at  Harbor 
Creek,  Pa.;  Charles  F.,  born  May  28,  1852,  married  Emma  Riblet,  and  he 
died  at  Albany,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  16,  1895;  0.  S.,  born  April  15,  1855,  a  retired 
contractor,  lives  at  516  Walnut  Street,  Erie;  and  Porter  K.,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch. 

Porter  K.  Riblet  attended  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and  also  took  a 
business  course.  He  then  studied  law  in  the  office  of  Judge  Gunnison  and 
Henry  Riblet.  Later,  Mr.  Riblet  was  employed  as  a  machinist  by  the 
Otsego  Fork  Mills  at  Girard,  Pa.,  for  three  years,  and  on  July  7,  1888, 
he  was  appointed  a  letter  carrier  in  the  city  of  Erie,  in  which  capacity 
he  served  for  35  years  continuously.  He  is  now  retired  and  lives  at  438 
East  7th  Street. 

On  May  4,  1881,  Mr.  Riblet  was  married  to  Miss  Hattie  M.  Collins, 
of  Girard,  Pa.,  born  March  15,  1864,  and  the  daughter  of  James  and 
Amanda  (Terry)  Collins  of  Erie.  Mr.  Collins  was  born  in  1830  and  died 
Jan.  22,  1897.  His  wife  was  born  July  25,  1830,  and  died  Aug.  20,  1915. 
They  had  thi-ee  children:  Frank  A.,  married  Elida  Carroll,  both  de- 
ceased ;  Clara  A.,  married  Charles  Drury,  and  they  live  at  Girard,  Pa. ; 
and  Hattie  M.  Riblet.  To  Porter  K.  and  Hattie  M.  (Collins)  Riblet  were 
born  six  children,  as  follows:  Lillian  Ruth,  born  Dec.  12,  1884,  married 
Harry  Miller,  and  they  five  at  1109  East  5th  Street,  Erie;  John  C,  born 
April  20,  1888,  married  on  Jan.  23,  1913,  to  Marie  Round,  and  he  is  super- 
intendent of  the  Erie  Reservoir;  Adella  A.,  born  Aug.  7,  1893,  married 
(58) 


914  History  of  Erie  County 

Earl  S.  Wagner,  merchant,  lives  at  752  East  6th  Street,  Erie;  Dorothy 
J.,  born  July  28,  1890,  a  graduate  of  Central  High  School,  Erie,  lives  at 
home;  Gertrude  E.,  born  Jan.  8,  1897,  married  A.  J.  Horak,  lives  at  500 
East  9th  Street,  Erie;  and  Hattie  M.,  born  June  20,  1883,  died  June  12, 
1891. 

Politically,  Mr.  Riblet  is  a  Republican.  He  is  identiiied  with  the  Letter 
Carriers'  Mutual  Benefit  Association,  of  which  he  served  as  secretary  for 
one  year.  In  1876  he  enlisted  in  the  Pennsylvania  National  Guard  and 
served  for  five  years  as  a  member  of  Company  G.  16th  Regiment.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  Methodist  Church  and  is  widely  known  in  Erie. 

A.  Grant  Walker,  who  is  well  known  among  the  younger  attorneys 
of  Erie,  is  a  member  of  a  pioneer  family  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born 
in  Harbbr  Creek  Township,  Sept.  18,  1890,  and  is  a  son  of  William  Grant 
and  Hattie  Elizabeth  (Hyke)  Walker. 

William  G.  Walker  is  a  memiber  of  an  old  and  substantial  Eastern 
family.  Well  authenticated  records  trace  the  family  to  the  great  great 
grandfather,  Timothy  Walker,  who  was  born  at  Hebron,  Mass.,  in  1720, 
and  died  in  Penfield,  N.  Y.,  in  1808.  This  is  the  location  of  the  old  home- 
stead and  the  resting  place  of  many  members  of  the  family,  the  Walker 
cemetery  being  an  historic  landmark  of  the  region.  Justice  Walker,  who 
married  Nancy  Miller,  was  of  the  next  generation,  being  born  in  1763 
and  dying  in  1831.  The  grandfather  of  William  G.,  Sam^'uel"  Walker,  was 
born  in  1796  and  married  Sarah  Case.  Their  son,  Chauncey  Case,  was 
a  native  of  Washington  County,  N.  Y.,  who  was  born  Sept.  16,  1842,  and 
died  in  March,  1889.  With  his  widowed  mother  he  came  to  Erie  County, 
where  he  spent  his  long  and  honorable  life  as  a  farmer.  The  elder  Mr. 
Walker  was  a  Republican  and  a  Methodist.  He  married  Elizabeth  Whee- 
lock,  who  was  born  Sept.  4,  1828,  and  died  Feb.  28,  1904,  the  daughter 
of  Jesse  Wheelock,  who  was  long  a  justice  of  the  peace  in  his  old  home 
neighborhood  of  Cambridge  Springs,  Pa.  The  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Chauncey  C.  Walker  were:  May  L.,  the  wife  of  F.  J.  Walker,  a  manu- 
facturer of  Erie;  Homer  0.,  living  on  the  old  Harbor  Creek  homestead 
in  Erie  County;  S.  J.,  a  farmer,  lives  at  Afton,  Iowa;  and  William  G., 
father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

William  G.  Walker  was  born  in  Harbor  Creek,  Erie  County,  July  1, 
1869,  receiving  his  early  education  at  that  place  and  later  attending  Erie 


History  of  Erie  County  915 

Academy.  Although  reared  on  a  farm  he  evinced  an  inclination  for  busi- 
ness in  his  boyhood  and  has  followed  mercantile  lines  since  he  left  school. 
He  first  resided  at  San  Francisco,  Calif.,  but  at  the  death  of  his  parents, 
a  year  after  going  to  that  place,  he  took  his  share  of  the  family  estate 
which  he  traded  for  property  in  Erie,  with  the  result  that  he  has  since 
been  identified  with  the  advancement  of  the  county  all  along  the  line. 
In  1897  he  purchased  the  W.  I.  Potter's  leading  general  store  at  West 
Springfield. 

In  November,  1919,  Mr.  Walker  was  elected  County  Commissioner  of 
Erie  County,  and  took  office  Jan.  1,  1920,  serving  a  term  of  four  years. 
He  then  returned  to  Conneaut,  Ohio,  where  he  is  now  engaged  in  the  real 
estate  and  building  business.  He  was  appointed  postmaster  of  West 
Springfield  in  1901,  which  oflSce  he  held  until  1919.  Mr.  Walker  has  been 
a  life  long  Republican  and  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Church,  the 
Masonic  lodge,  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

In  September,  1889,  Mr.  Walker  was  married  to  Miss  Hattie  Eliza- 
beth Hyke,  of  Erie  County,  born  in  October,  1869,  and  a  daughter  of 
Charles  C.  and  Harriet  Jane  Hyke.  They  have  two  children:  A.  Grant, 
the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Dorothy  Vernon,  born  July  24,  1906,  a 
student  at  Villa  Marie,  Erie. 

A.  Grant  Walker  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  and  after 
his  graduation  from  high  school  in  1910  entered  the  law  school  of  the 
University  of  Michigan  from  which  he  received  his  degree  in  1914.  In 
that  year  he  was  adnjitted  to  the  Erie  County  bar  and  the  following  year 
to  the  Federal,  Superior  and  Supreme  Courts.  Since  he  began  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession  he  has  been  associated  with  the  firm  of  Gunnison, 
Fish,  Gilford  &  Chapin,  leading  attorneys  of  this  city.  Their  offices  are 
in  the  Masonic  Temple  building. 

On  June  20,  1914,  Mr.  Walker  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Flor- 
ence Amy,  a  native  of  Greenville,  Pa.,  born  Feb.  29,  1889,  and  a  daughter 
of  Charles  E.  and  Lillian  (Bernard)  Amy,  natives  of  Greenville,  Pa.  He 
was  born  Sept.  9,  1863,  and  died  Oct.  16,  1918.  For  many  years  he  was 
proprietor  of  the  Greenville  Stone  Company.  His  wife  resides  in  Green- 
ville. They  had  six  children:  Helen  Amy,  born  May  15,  1887,  married 
Carl  Soult,  Greenville,  Pa.;  Mrs.  Walker;  Hettie,  born  Sept.  2,  1890,  mar- 
ried Koy  Beever,  a  civil  engineer  with  the  Bessemer  Railroad,  lives  at 
Greenville,  Pa.;  Ruth,  born  April  2,  1892,  married  Frank  Rigglemjan,  New 
Castle,  Pa. ;  Richard,  born  Nov.  2,  1893,  purchasing  agent  for  the  Perry 


916  History  of  Erie  County 

Iron  Works,  Erie;  and  Dowd,  born  May  19,  1906,  resides  with  his  mother. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  A.  Grant  Walker  one  son  has  been  born,  Wilham  Grant, 
born  Sept.  10,  1916. 

Mr.  Walker  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  West 
Springfield  and  his  wife  holds  membership  in  the  Lutheran  Memorial 
Church,  Erie,  in  which  she  is  an  active  member.  She  is  past  president 
of  the  Sunday  school  class.  She  is  identified  with  the  Erie  Women's 
Club,  and  is  president  of  the  Parent-Teachers  Association  of  Ferncliff. 
Mr.  Walker  belongs  to  University  Club,  Erie  Yacht  Club,  and  the  Elks 
lodge.     He  is  also  a  32nd  degree  Mason. 

Norton  J.  Herrick  is  among  the  highly  esteemed  and  widely  known 
citizens  of  Erie,  where  he  has  lived  for  more  than  30  years.  He  was  born 
in  Cambridge  Township,  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  May  25,  1851,  and  is 
the  son  of  Alonzo  and  Eliza  Ann  (Nichols)  Herrick. 

Alonzo  Herrick  was  born  in  Vermont  in  1818  and  his  wife  was  a  native 
of  New  York.  He  engaged  in  general  farming  during  his  entire  life  and 
died  in  Crawford  County,  Pa.  There  were  eight  children  in  the  Herrick 
family,  as  follows:  Nancy,  born  in  1846,  lives  at  the  Lutheran  Home  for 
Ladies,  Erie;  Sarah,  born  in  1848,  married  John  Anderson,  deceased,  and 
she  lives  at  Topeka,  Kan. ;  G.  C,  born  in  1850,  married  Lizzie  Culbertson, 
and  they  live  at  1018  French  Street,  Erie;  N.  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
Alcy,  born  in  1853,  married  M.  Gard,  deceased,  and  she  lives  at  Topeka, 
Kan. ;  Joseph  M.,  born  in  1855,  married  Blanche  Birchfield,  lives  at  Se- 
dalia.  Mo. ;  Myra,  born  in  1857,  married  A.  S.  Faber,  lives  at  Cambridge 
Springs,  Pa. ;  and  Will,  born  in  1859,  married  Miss  Bernson,  and  they  live 
in  Chicago,  111. 

Norton  J.  Herrick  attended  the  district  schools  of  Cambridge  Town- 
ship, Crawford  County,  and  in  early  life  engaged  in  farming.  He  then 
learned  the  barber  trade,  and  followed  that  at  Cambridge  Springs  for  ten 
years.  In  1893  he  removed  to  Erie,  and  conducted  a  barber  shop  in  this 
city  until  1922,  when  he  was  appointed  court  officer  of  the  Erie  County 
Court  House. 

In  1873  Mr.  Herrick  was  married  to  Miss  Flora  M.  Culbertson,  of 
Edinboro,  Pa.,  and  they  have  a  son,  Ralph  B.  Hen-ick,  who  was  born  at 
Edinboro,  Pa.,  Feb.  26,  1887. 

Ralph  B.  Herrick  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie 
and  after  the  completion  of  his  high  school  course  he  became  a  poster 


History  of  Erie  County  917 

artist.  Later,  he  studied  civil  engineering  and  in  October,  1922,  associated 
himself  with  Mr.  0.  F.  Whipple,  organizing  the  Herrick-Whipple  Con- 
struction Company  of  Erie.  They  are  general  contractors  and  are  well 
known  in  this  section.  Mr.  Herrick  is  a  member  of  the  Elks  No.  67,  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Fraternal  Order  of  Eagles  No. 
188.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Mildred  Amidon  of  Edinboro,  Pa.,  and  they 
have  two  sons:  Ralph  B.,  Jr.,  born  May  9,  1913,  a  student  at  Central 
High  School ;  and  Clair  Douglas,  born  Nov.  14,  1923. 

N.  J.  Herrick  has  been  a  life  long  Repubhcan.  He  is  affiliated  with 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  was  a  delegate  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  at  Philadelphia  in  1906.  He  is  favorably  known  in  Erie  and  has 
a  wide  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances. 

Harry  O.  Geren  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  Erie,  where  he  is  in 
charge  of  the  United  States  Weather  Bureau.  He  is  a  native  of  Columbus, 
Ohio,  born  Dec.  2,  1877,  and  the  son  of  Dudley  D.  and  Adenia  (Wilson) 
Geren. 

Dudley  D.  Geren,  retired,  is  a  Civil  War  veteran.  He  was  born  at 
Marietta,  Ohio,  Oct.  22,  1846,  and  at  the  age  of  15  years  enlisted  in  Bat- 
tery H,  1st  Ohio  Light  Artillery,  and  served  throughout  the  Civil  War. 
His  brother,  Ireneus  A.,  who  was  17  years  old,  also  served  in  the  war. 
Mr.  Geren  was  a  brick  contractor  during  his  active  career  and  now  lives 
retired.  His  wife,  also  a  native  of  Marietta,  Ohio,  was  born  Oct.  26,  1854. 
They  had  six  children:  Arthur  G.,  born  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  Sept.  9,  1880, 
a  merchant  at  Columbus,  Ohio;  James  R.,  assistant  postmaster  at  Colum- 
bus, Ohio;  Myles  W.,  engaged  in  the  florist  business,  Columbus,  Ohio; 
Francis  G.,  lives  at  Columbus;  Helen  0.,  born  in  July,  1875,  died  in  1900, 
and  is  buried  in  Columbus;  and  Harry  0.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Harry  0.  Geren  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Columbus  and 
after  his  graduation  from  high  school  in  1894,  he  entered  Ohio  State 
University,  where  he  received  his  degree  in  1899.  In  1898  he  was  ap- 
pointed major  of  the  cadet  battalion  of  Ohio  State  University,  which  is 
the  highest  rank  held  in  the  university.  After  leaving  college  he  was 
appointed  by  the  United  States  Secretary  of  Agriculture,  James  Wilson, 
as  observer  at  the  U.  S.  Weather  Bureau  at  Boston,  Mass.  He  has  served 
since  at  the  following  stations:  Assistant  at  Columbus,  Ohio;  Assistant 
at  Havana,  Cuba ;  official  in  charge  of  Cienf uegos,  Cuba ;  Assistant  at 
Phoenix,  Ariz. ;  official  in  charge  at  Valentine,  Neb. ;  Assistant  at  Chicago, 


918  History  of  Erie  County 

111. ;  Assistant  at  Columbus,  Ohio ;  official  in  charge  at  Reno,  Nev. ;  official 
in  charge  at  Rapid  City,  S.  D. ;  and  official  in  charge  at  Sioux  City,  Iowa. 
Mr.  Geren  has  been  located  at  Erie  since  1913  and  has  proven  most  ef- 
ficient and  capable. 

On  June  11,  1901,  Mr.  Geren  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Nellie 
Miller,  a  native  of  Columbus,  Ohio,  born  Jan.  29,  1880,  and  the  daughter 
of  John  C.  and  Mary  (Mitchell)  Miller.  Mr.  Miller,  a  Civil  War  veteran, 
was  born  in  October,  1837,  and  is  now  retired.  His  wife  died  in  1919  and 
is  buried  in  the  Greenlawn  cemetery,  Columibus.  Mrs.  Geren  is  a  grand 
niece  of  Horace  Greeley,  American  journalist. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Geren  have  a  daughter,  Jeanette  Geren,  born  June  6, 
1906.    She  is  a  student  at  Ohio  State  University. 

B.  Courtney  McLean,  well  known  veterinary  surgeon  of  Erie  and  pro- 
prietor of  a  veterinary  hospital  at  353  East  18th  Street,  is  a  native  of 
Pennsylvania.  He  was  born  at  Meadville,  Jan.  10,  1894,  and  is  the  son 
of  Dr.  C.  Courtney  and  Sarah  (Dougherty)  McLean. 

Dr.  C.  Courtney  McLean  was  born  at  Meadville,  Pa.,  Feb.  2,  1859,  and 
is  a  well  knoviai  resident  of  Crawford  County,  where  he  has  spent  his 
entire  life.  His  wife  was  born  at  Patterson,  N.  J.,  Jan.  28,  1869.  They 
are  the  parents  of  three  children:  Margaret,  born  July  13,  1892,  a  grad- 
uate of  Allegheny  College,  lives  at  home ;  B.  Courtney,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch;  and  Leone,  born  April  27,  1890,  a  graduate  of  Allegheny  College, 
lives  in  New  York  city. 

B.  Courtney  McLean  spent  his  boyhood  at  Meadville  and  attended 
the  public  schools  there.  He  then  entered  Allegheny  College,  from  which 
he  was  graduated  in  1916.  In  1920  he  received  his  degree  from  the  vet- 
erinary department  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  and  he  has  since 
engaged  in  business  in  Erie.  Doctor  McLean  has  facilities  for  treating 
all  kinds  of  domestic  animals  and  his  hospital  is  among  the  finest  of  its 
kind  in  the  state.  He  also  carries  on  a  general  practice  besides  his  hos- 
pital work. 

On  Sept.  1,  1920,  Dr.  McLean  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Maidelle  Boatwright,  who  was  born  at  Ridge  Spring,  S.  C,  Sept.  19, 
1891,  and  the  daughter  of  Ida  and  Benjamin  Boatwright,  of  Ridge  Spring. 

In  1917  Doctor  McLean  enlisted  in  the  Medical  Reserve  Corps  and  the 
following  year  attended  the  Students  Army  Training  Corps.  He  was 
discharged  in  December,  1918.     He  is  a  memiber  of  the  University  Club, 


History  of  Erie  County  919 

the  Sigma  Alpha  Epsilon  fraternity,  the  Alpha  Psi  fraternity,  the  Elks 
No.  67,  Rotary  Club,  and  the  Chamber  of  Commerce.  Doctor  McLean 
is  an  able  man  in  his  profession  and  a  substantial  citizen  of  Erie  County. 

C.  J.  Minnig,  a  successful  real  estate  operator  and  broker  of  Erie, 
is  a  member  of  a  family  that  has  long  been  identified  with  Erie  County. 
He  was  born  in  this  city,  Dec.  21,  1867,  and  is  the  son  of  Jacob  and  Eliza- 
beth (Sehlabach)  Minnig. 

Jacob  Minnig  was  a  native  of  West  Mill  Creek,  Pa.,  born  in  1835,  and 
his  wife  was  born  at  Kearsage,  Pa.,  born  in  1845.  They  are  both  deceased 
and  buried  in  Erie  cemetery.  Mr.  Minnig  was  successfully  engaged  in  the 
grocery  and  flour  business  here  for  many  years  and  was  among  the  first 
business  men  of  the  old  Erie  Canal.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Minnig  had  the  fol- 
lowing children:  Louis  J.,  a  foreman  with  the  Griswold  Manufacturing 
Company,  Erie ;  William  P.,  a  farmer ;  Harrison,  Eddie,  Ada,  all  deceased ; 
Alice,  married  Martin  Fletcher,  lives  at  Seattle,  Wash. ;  Etta,  a  teacher, 
lives  in  Seattle,  Wash.;  and  C.  J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

C.  J.  Minnig  spent  his  boyhood  in  Erie  and  after  completing  his  school- 
ing he  entered  his  father's  business.  Later,  he  learned  the  boilermaker's 
trade  at  the  Nagel  Boiler  Works,  where  he  remained  for  six  years.  In 
1896  he  entered  the  Tribune  Bicycle  Company  of  Erie  as  manager  and 
was  afterward  manager  of  the  General  Insurance  Company  of  Philadel- 
phia. He  was  also  general  manager  of  the  Dispatch-Herald  for  several 
years  and  in  1910  he  established  the  C.  J.  Minnig  Real  Estate  Company. 
It  is  located  at  132  West  18th  Street. 

In  1886  Mr.  Minnig  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  Firman,  of  Erie,  who 
died  in  1893,  leaving  a  son,  Carl  J.,  born  Sept.  22,  1890.  He  is  connected 
with  the  Phillips  Petroleunij'  Company  at  Bartlesville,  Okla.  He  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Marcella  Krug  of  Erie  and  they  have  three  children:  Charles 
M.,  Donald  I.,  and  Max  A.  Minnig. 

On  Sept.  1,  1898,  Mr.  Minnig  was  married  the  second  time  to  Miss 
Kathryn  Murphy,  of  Lockport,  N.  Y.,  born  Sept.  5,  1880,  and  the  daughter 
of  John  and  Catherine  (Markley)  Murphy.  Mrs.  Murphy  died  March  1, 
1921,  and  her  husband  died  Feb.  12,  1925,  at  Sharon,  Pa.  Mrs.  Minnig 
has  two  brothers :  Edward  J.  Murphy,  lives  at  Jersey  City,  N.  J. ;  and 
George  W.  Murphy,  lives  at  Wesleyville,  Pa. 

Mr.  Minnig  is  a  member  of  the  Elks  lodge  and  belongs  to  the  Erie 
Maennerchor.  He  is  a  progressive  man  and  is  held  in  high  esteem  through- 
out the  county. 


920  History  of  Erie  County 

Carl  M.  Reed,  a  representative  citizen  of  Erie  County,  was  born  in 
this  city,  Nov.  17,  1876,  and  is  the  son  of  Charles  M.  and  Ella  M.  (Morri- 
son) Reed. 

The  Reed  family  is  closely  and  intimately  associated  with  the  history 
of  Erie  County  from  the  very  beginning,  and  may  be  said  to  have  been  the 
pioneers  in  its  development.  Colonel  Seth  Reed,  the  founder  of  the  family 
fortune,  was  a  physician  at  Uxbridge,  Mass.  When  the  Revolution  began 
he  was  given  command  of  a  regiment  and  fought  at  Bunker  Hill.  After 
the  close  of  the  war  he  located  in  Ontario  County,  New  York,  where  he 
became  possessed  of  a  tract  of  land  18  miles  in  extent  by  a  trade  with 
the  Indians.  Impressed  with  the  favorable  location  of  the  then  new 
town  of  Erie  and  believing  that  it  was  destined  to  become  an  important 
commercial  center,  he  sold  his  Ontario  estate  and  with  his  wife  and  sons, 
Charles,  John  and  Manning,  started  for  the  frontier.  They  reached  the 
harbor  of  Erie  on  July  1,  1795.  Two  other  sons,  Rufus  S.  and  George, 
later  came  by  way  of  Pittsburgh.  He  died  March  19,  1797,  at  the  age 
of  53  years.  Rufus  S.  Reed,  the  most  prosperous  and  best  known  of  the 
sons  of  Colonel  Reed,  always  remained  in  Erie.  He  was  born  at  Uxbridge, 
Mass.,  Oct.  11,  1775.  While  the  rest  of  the  family  took  to  farming,  his 
taste  was  altogether  for  business,  in  which  he  had  extraordinary  success. 
He  started  a  store  in  1796,  which  did  a  large  trade  with  the  Indians,  the 
soldiers  and  the  settlers.  In  1797  he  began  an  extensive  fur  trade  with 
the  Indians  which  was  very  profitable.  His  boats  ran  constantly  on  the 
lake,  loaded  with  shore  goods  one  way,  and  furs  the  other.  He  secured  a 
large  government  contract  for  supplying  the  western  posts  with  beef, 
pork,  flour  and  whiskey.  He  became  an  extensive  owner  of  lake  vessels  and 
was  the  foremost  man  in  enterprise  in  the  whole  lake  country.  Rufus 
Reed  was  married  twice,  his  first  wife  being  Dolly  Oaks  of  Palmyra,  N.  Y. 
In  1801  he  married  Agnes,  daughter  of  Gen.  William  Irvine,  who  boi'e 
him  one  son,  the  well  known  Gen.  Charles  M.  Reed.  Rufus  Reed  died  at 
the  age  of  70  on  June  1,  1846,  leaving  the  largest  fortune  that  had  been 
accumulated  up  to  that  time  in  the  lake  shore  region. 

Gen.  Charles  M.  Reed,  the  only  child  of  Rufus  S.  Reed,  inherited  his 
father's  great  business  ability.  He  was  born  in  Erie  in  1803  and  after 
receiving  the  best  education  the  schools  of  the  time  afforded,  he  was  sent 
to  college  at  Washington,  Pa.,  and  from  there  went  to  Philadelphia,  where 
he  read  law  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1821.  Returning  to  Erie  he 
almost  immediately  engaged  in  business  with  his  father,  and  developed 


History  of  Erie  County  921 

such  aptitude  for  money  making  that  it  was  a  question  which  was  the 
more  skillful  of  the  two.  He  early  foresaw  the  advantages  of  steam 
navigation  and  became  the  largest  owner  of  steamboats  on  the  lakes. 
When  the  time  came  for  building  railroads  he  quickly  grasped  their  im- 
portance. In  his  early  years  he  was  fond  of  military  display  and  became  a 
brigadier  general  of  militia.  He  served  a  year  in  the  State  Legislature 
and  a  term  in  Congress.  In  politics  he  was  first  a  Whig  and  then  a  Repub- 
lican. He  died  at  the  age  of  69  years,  Dec.  18,  1871.  His  fortune  at  the 
time  of  his  death  is  variously  estimated  at  five  to  fifteen  millions.  Gen- 
eral Reed  was  married  in  September,  1838,  to  Miss  Harriet  Gilson  of 
Watertown,  N.  Y.  Among  their  children  was  Charles  M.,  father  of  tlae 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

Charles  M.  Reed  was  born  in  Erie  in  1844  and  died  in  1917.  He  and 
his  brother,  Lloyd  G.,  were  sole  heirs  to  the  Reed  estate.  He  served  as 
mayor  of  Erie  for  two  terms  and  was  one  of  the  city's  most  prominent 
financiers.  He  married  Ella  M.  Morrison,  daughter  of  R.  S.  Morrison, 
who  came  to  Erie  in  1860.  To  them  were  born  four  children :  Charles  and 
Helen,  deceased;  Harrison,  lives  in  Erie;  and  Carl  M.,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch.    Mrs.  Reed  lives  in  the  old  family  home  on  West  Sixth  Street. 

Carl  M.  Reed  has  always  lived  in  Erie.  He  organized  the  Reed  Manu- 
facturing Company  in  which  he  was  actively  interested  for  a  number  of 
years.  He  has  since  devoted  his  entire  time  to  real  estate  activities  and 
has  offices  in  the  Penn  Building. 

On  April  30,  1910,  Mr.  Reed  was  married  to  Miss  Lena  Wells,  the 
daughter  of  W.  B.  and  Lyda  Wells.  They  have  two  children :  Chai'les  M., 
a  student  at  Gridley  High  School;  and  Virginia  Hardwick,  a  student  at 
Miss  Bennett's  School,  New  York. 

Mr.  Reed  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Cnurch, 
and  belongs  to  the  Kahkwa  and  Erie  Clubs. 

Henry  R.  Jeffs  is  among  the  prominent  and  influential  citizens  of  Erie, 
where  he  is  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law.  He  was  born  in  this  city, 
April  14,  1884,  and  is  the  son  of  Samuel  and  Blanche  A.  (Sherwood) 
Jeffs. 

Samuel  Jeffs  was  born  in  Hertfordshire,  England,  May  12.  1861,  and 
his  wife  is  a  native  of  Erie,  born  March  30,  1863,  and  the  daughter  of 
Charles  M.  and  Mary  Ann  (Warren)  Sherwood.  Mrs.  Jeffs  is  a  direct 
descendant  of  General  Warren  of  Revolutionary  War  fame.     To  Mr.  and 


922  History  of  Erie  County 

Mrs.  Jeffs,  who  reside  in  Erie,  the  following  children  were  born:  Vera 
N.,  married  Dr.  Carl  T.  Nick,  lives  in  Erie;  Marjorie  A.,  lives  in  Erie; 
Marie,  married  William  Bannister,  a  chemist,  lives  at  Terre  Haute,  Ind. ; 
Harold  Warren,  lives  in  Erie;  and  Henry  R.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Henry  R.  JeiTs  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  and  was 
graduated  from  Erie  High  School  in  1901.  In  1903  he  became  agent  for 
the  C.  M.  Reed  estate  and  continued  in  that  capacity  until  1908,  when  he 
began  the  study  of  law  in  the  offices  of  T.  A.  Lamb,  now  deceased.  He 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  Erie  County  April  1,  1912,  and  is  a  member 
of  the  Bar  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Pennsylvania.  His  offices  are  in  the 
Penn  Building. 

On  April  20,  1907,  Mr.  Jeffs  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Eleanor 
E.  Schopp,  a  native  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  born  Feb.  24,  1886,  and  the  daugh- 
ter of  Charles  F.  and  Susan  M.  (Seaver)  ??hopp.  Mrs.  Schopp  is  de- 
ceased and  her  husband  lives  in  Buffalo,  N.  ".  They  had  four  children: 
Robert  E.,  lives  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y. ;  Betty  M.,  married  Samuel  Gintz,  lives 
in  Erie ;  Dorothy,  married  William  Shamp,  lives  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y. ;  and 
Mrs.  Jeffs.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jeffs  a  daughter  has  been  born,  Geraldine  E., 
born  April  9,  1908,  now  a  student  at  Central  High  School. 

Mr.  Jeffs  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  County  Bar  Association,  of  which 
he  served  as  treasurer  for  three  years,  and  he  is  identified  with  ihe 
Kahkwa  Club  and  the  Elks  lodge.  He  is  a  reliable  and  highly  esteemed 
member  of  the  community. 

Andrew  A.  Wagner,  county  tax  collector,  is  a  dependable  citizen  of 
Erie  and  is  well  known.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  Dec.  26,  1864,  and  is 
the  son  of  August  and  Catherine  (Mayer)  Wagner. 

August  Wagner,  deceased,  was  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War.  He  was 
born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  and  his  wife  was  also  a  native  of  that  country. 
She  came  to  this  country  when  she  was  11  years  old,  making  the  trip  in  a 
sailing  vessel,  which  required  78  days.  Mr.  Wagner's  mother  lived  to  be 
101  years  of  age  and  is  buried  in  South  Erie  cemetery. 

Andrew  A.  Wagner  has  always  lived  in  Erie.  He  attended  the  public 
schools  and  when  a  young  man  engaged  in  the  contracting  and  excavating 
business.  He  was  second  ward  foreman  of  streets  for  three  years  during 
Mayor  Saltsman's  administration,  and  also  served  as  a  member  of  the 
police  force  for  six  years.  In  1911  Mr.  Wagner  was  appointed  tax  col- 
lector from  the  Second  Ward  and  has  since  served  in  that  capacity.  He 
lives  at  222  East  13th  Street. 


History  of  Erie  County  923 

In  1886  Mr.  Wagner  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  E.  Stabelein,  of  Erie, 
born  Dec.  24,  1865,  and  the  daughter  of  John  and  Leagardia  (Hepplie) 
Stabelein,  natives  of  Germany  and  both  now  deceased.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Wagner  have  been  born  two  children:  Eleanor,  born  March  22,  1888,  at 
home;  and  Elmer  F.,  born  in  November,  1889,  lives  in  New  Rochelle,  N.  Y. 

In  politics  Mr.  Wagner  is  identified  with  the  Democratic  party.  He 
is  a  member  of  St.  Mary's  Catholic  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Elk  and 
Moose  lodges. 

B.  G.  Neyland,  proprietor  of  the  Neyland  Wall  Paper  &  Paint  Com- 
pany, is  among  Erie's  progressive  business  men.  He  was  born  at  McKean, 
Pa.,  Aug.  24,  1885,  and  is  the  son  of  George  W.  and  Alleta  F.  (Wood) 
Neyland. 

George  W.  Neyland  was  a  native  of  New  York,  born  April  24,  1850, 
and  his  wife  was  born  in  Illinois.  He  was  a  building  contractor  at  Mc- 
Kean, Pa.,  for  many  years,  where  his  family  resided.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ney- 
land, now  deceased,  had  two  sons:  Harry  A.,  born  Aug.  9,  1875,  princi- 
pal of  the  Swain  School  of  Designing,  New  Bedford,  Mass. ;  and  B.  G.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

B.  G.  Neyland  spent  his  boyhood  at  McKean  and  received  his  early 
education  in  the  public  schools  there.  He  is  a  graduate  of  Edinboro  State 
Normal  School,  and  the  Pratt  Institute  of  New  York  city,  where  he  studied 
applied  electricity.  In  1920  Mr.  Neyland  organized  the  Neyland  Wall 
Paper  &  Paint  Company  in  Erie,  which  has  developed  into  a  successful 
enterprise.  He  also  owns  and  conducts  the  Folly  Theater,  at  654  West 
26th  Street,  which  was  estabhshed  by  him  in  1915. 

On  June  2,  1915,  Mr.  Neyland  married  Miss  Isabella  E.  Young,  of 
Niagara-on-the-Lake,  Ontario,  Canada,  who  was  born  Jan.  31,  1883,  and 
the  daughter  of  James  and  Sarah  Ann  (Mellon)  Young,  natives  of  Lon- 
don, England,  and  Ontario,  Canada,  respectively.  Mr.  Young  was  born 
Nov.  12,  1840,  and  his  wife  was  born  May  9,  1842.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Neyland  a  daughter  has  been  born,  Sarah  Georgette,  born  Oct.  19,  1918. 
She  is  a  student  at  the  Sacred  Heart  School,  Erie. 

Mr.  Neyland  is  a  member  of  the  Unitarian  Church  and  his  wife  is  a 
member  of  the  Catholic  Church.  He  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows,  the  Woodmen  of  the  World  and  the  Moose  lodge.  He  is 
widely  known  in  Erie  County  and  has  well  earned  the  respect  and  esteem 
of  his  many  friends. 


924  History  of  Erie  County 

Carlton  M.  Randall,  attorney  of  Erie,  is  well  known  throughout  the 
comimunity  as  a  successful  young  man  in  his  profession.  He  was  born 
in  this  city,  Oct.  19,  1895,  and  is  the  son  of  M.  M.  and  Mary  (Bowes) 
Randall. 

M.  M.  Randall  was  born  in  Cattaraugus  County,  N.  Y.,  and  his  wife 
is  a  native  of  Ireland.  They  now  live  retired  in  Erie.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Randall  have  two  sons:  Carlton  M.,. the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Ches- 
ter I.,  born  Dec.  25,  1901,  lives  in  Erie,  where  he  is  connected  with  the 
Bell  Telephone  Company. 

Carlton  M.  Randall  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and  in 
1913  was  graduated  from  Central  High  School.  He  then  entered  the  law 
school  of  George  Washington  University,  Washington,  D.  C,  where  he 
received  his  degree  in  1918.  After  leaving  college  he  spent  the  following 
year  in  the  Supreme  Court  Library  at  Washington,  D.  C.  He  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  District  of  Columbia  on  Oct.  7,  1919, 
and  the  Court  of  Appeals  of  the  District  of  Columbia  on  Oct.  8,  1919.  In 
December,  1920,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  Erie  County  and  on  Dec. 
9,  1920,  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  Pennsylvania.  Mr.  Randall  was  admitted 
to  the  Federal  Court  on  March  27,  1922.  After  a  year  in  the  office  of  the 
law  firm  of  Marsh,  Eaton  &  Bauer,  he  formed  a  partnership  with  Harold 
F.  Mook,  under  the  firm  name  of  Mook  &  Randall  and  established  offices 
in  the  Marine  Building  in  November,  1921,  where  he  is  now  located. 

On  June  2,  1923,  Mr.  Randall  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Hazel 
E.  Mack,  a  native  of  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  born  Dec.  12,  1893,  and  the 
daughter  of  William  S.  and  Ida  E.  (Fry)  Mack,  natives  of  Pennsylvania. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Randall  hold  membership  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  he  is  affiliated  with  the  Delta  Sigma  Rho  fraternity,  the  Elks 
lodge,  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  Irwin  Lodge  No.  1100,  Lake 
Erie  Encampment  No.  73,  and  Abraham  Lincoln  Commandery  No.  601. 

Harold  F.  Mook  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War  and  a  prominent  young 
attorney  of  Erie,  where  he  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Mook  &  Randall. 
He  was  born  at  Saegertown,  Pa.,  June  26,  1894,  and  is  the  son  of  Wallace 
and  Julia  A.  (Floyd)  Mook. 

Wallace  Mook  is  a  native  of  Saegertown,  Pa.,  born  there  in  1859,  and 
his  wife  was  born  at  Blooming  Valley,  Pa.,  in  1872.  He  has  been  a 
successful  merchant  at  Saegertown  for  40  years  and  is  widely  known. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mook  have  three  sons:  Harold  F.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 


History  of  Erie  County  925 

Paul  v.,  born  in  1900,  a  biologist  at  the  University  of  Maryland ;  and 
Andrew  W.,  born  in  1904,  a  student  at  the  University  of  Pittsburgh. 

Harold  F.  Mook  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Saeger- 
town  and  was  graduated  from  Allegheny  College  in  1915,  with  the  degree 
of  Bachelor  of  Arts.  He  graduated  from  the  University  of  Pennsylvania 
Law  School  in  1921,  receiving  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Laws,  and  im- 
mediately established  his  practice  in  Erie.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
of  Erie  County  in  1921  and  to  the  Federal,  Supreme  and  Superior  Courts 
during  the  same  year.  The  offices  of  this  law  firm  are  located  in  the 
Marine  Bank  Building. 

On  'April  14,  1917,  Mr.  Mook  enlisted  for  service  during  the  World 
War  at  Philadelphia,  entered  the  First  Officers  Training  School,  and  was 
later  transferred  to  the  Air  Service  for  ground  school  training  at  Prince- 
ton University.  In  January,  1918,  he  was  sent  to  Park  Field,  Memphis, 
Tenn.  He  was  commissioned  a  second  lieutenant  in  the  aviation  section 
of  the  signal  corps  as  a  reserve  military  aviator,  and  served  as  an  instruc- 
tor in  various  fields  throughout  the  United  States.  He  was  discharged 
at  Rockwell  Field,  San  Diego,  Cal.,  Feb.  5,  1919.  Mr.  Mook  now  holds  a 
commission  of  first  lieutenant  with  rating  of  junior  airplane  pilot  in  the 
Air  Service  of  the  U.  S.  Army  Officers  Reserve  Corps. 

Mr.  Mook  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County  Historical  Society  and 
belongs  to  the  American  Legion,  being  a  Past  Commander  of  Rogers 
Israel  Post  No.  11,  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and 
Elks  lodge.  He  has  an  extensive  acquaintance  in  Erie  and  is  held  in  the 
highest  esteem. 

Wilbur  R.  Seabrook  ranks  among  the  prominent  young  professional 
men  of  Erie,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law.  He  is  a  native 
of  this  city,  born  Dec.  14,  1895,  and  the  son  of  William  G.  and  Helen  I. 
(Reed)  Seabrook. 

William  G.  Seabrook  was  born  in  Westfield,  N.  Y.,  and  his  wife  is  a 
native  of  Harvard,  111.  They  settled  in  Erie  in  1878,  where  Mr.  Seabrook 
is  connected  with  the  New  York  Central  Railroad  in  the  offices. 

After  the  completion  of  his  high  school  course  in  Erie  in  1915,  Wilbur 
R.  Seabrook  entered  the  law  offices  of  Marsh  &  Eaton,  where  he  remained 
until  April,  1916.  He  then  was  connected  with  the  office  of  Lytle  F.  Perry, 
but  in  1917  returned  to  his  former  position,  where  he  remained  until 
January,  1920.    Mr.  Seabrook  was  admitted  to  the  bar  on  March  10,  1919, 


926  History  of  Erie  County 

and  on  April  14,  1919,  to  the  Superior  Court.  On  Sept.  29,  1919,  he  was 
admitted  to  the  Superior  Court  of  Pennsylvania  and  the  District  Court 
of  the  United  States  of  the  Western  District.  On  April  17,  1924,  he  was 
admitted  to  the  United  States  Supreme  Court  and  on  Aug.  27,  1924,  to 
the  Circuit  Court  of  Appeals  of  the  Third  Circuit,  and  subsequently  to  the 
courts  of  Crawford  and  Warren  counties.  Mr.  Seabrook  has  offices  in 
the  Commerce  Building  and  has  an  extensive  practice. 

Mr.  Seabrook  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County  Bar  Association,  the 
Pennsylvania  State  Bar  Association,  and  the  American  Bar  Association. 
He  belongs  to  the  Commercial  Law  League  of  America,  the  Erie  County 
Historical  Society,  the  National  Rifle  Association  of  America  and  the  Law- 
rence Park  Rifle  Club.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Simpson  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  a  32nd  degree  Mason,  Shriner,  and  belongs  to  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Elks. 

Edward  F.  Hall,  who  was  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Hall's  Cigar  Store, 
is  one  of  the  well  known  and  successful  young  business  men  of  Erie.  He 
was  born  in  Erie,  June  18,  1892,  and  is  the  son  of  William  B.  and  Alice 
(Fielder)  Hall. 

William  B.  Hall  was  born  at  Ithaca.  N.  Y.  He  was  a  noted  musician, 
having  studied  in  Paris,  and  he  was  a  member  of  various  well  known 
bands  throughout  the  country.  He  established  Hall's  Cigar  Store  in  1898 
and  continued  as  proprietor  until  1915,  at  which  time  his  sons,  Edward  F. 
and  Harold  G.,  became  owners.  He  died  Aug.  20,  1918,  and  is  buried  in 
Lakeside  cemetery,  Erie.  His  wife,  who  was  born  at  Dansville,  N.  Y.,  now 
resides  on  the  West  Lake  Road,  Erie.  Mr.  Hall  was  a  veteran  of  the 
Spanish-American  Wai\ 

Edward  F.  Hall  was  reared  and  educated  in  Boston,  Mass.,  and  at- 
tended the  public  schools  in  this  city  after  his  family  settled  here.  He 
was  graduated  from  Erie  High  School  in  1911  and  immediately  engaged 
in  business  with  his  father.  Hall's  Cigar  Store  which  was  located  at  706 
State  Street,  and  is  now  located  at  10  West  7th  Street,  is  one  of  the  popu- 
lar shops  of  the  city. 

On  Sept.  28,  1914,  Mr.  Hall  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Leona 
Schlaudecker,  who  was  born  in  this  city,  Feb.  8,  1896,  and  the  daughter 
of  Emil  P.  and  Mayme  (Reiser)  Schlaudecker.  Mr.  Schlaudecker  lives  in 
Erie  and  is  a  musician  at  the  Perry  Theater.  Formerly  he  was  interested 
in  the  hotel  business  at  Harbor  Creek  and  Mill  Village,  Pa.     To  Mr.  and 


History  of  Erie  County  927 

Mrs.  Hall  have  been  born  two  children:  William  B.,  born  April  27,  1917; 
and  Dorothy  Fielder,  born  Jan.  21,  1922. 

Mr.  Hall  is  affiliated  with  the  Masonic  lodge.  Perry  Lodge  No.  392, 
Shrine,  Consistory,  and  is  a  32nd  degree  Mason.  He  also  belongs  to  the 
Elks  lodge  No.  67.    He  is  a  Republican. 

Hai'old  G.  Hall  was  born  in  Erie,  May  16,  1894,  and  has  spent  his 
entire  life  in  Erie,  where  he  is  now  engaged  in  the  cigar  business,  being 
the  Hall  Stand  now  located'  10  West  7th  Street.  He  was  married  to  Miss 
Gladys  Bacher,  of  Erie,  and  they  have  four  children:  Alice,  Jean,  Gladys 
and  Frederick. 

The  Halls  are  highly  esteemed  in  the  community  and  are  reliable  and 
substantial  citizens  of  Erie. 

P.  E.  Yokes  is  among  the  prominent  and  successful  business  men  of 
Erie,  where  he  is  manager  of  the  Miller  Rubber  Company.  He  is  a  native 
of  Jamestown,  Pa.,  born  Feb.  18,  1884,  and  the  son  of  Eli  S.  and  Abagail 
(Floch)  Yokes. 

Eh  S.  Yokes  was  born  in  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  in  1832,  and  his  wife, 
a  native  of  the  same  county,  was  born  in  1860.  He  was  a  farmer  in  early 
life  and  later  engaged  in  the  produce  business.  He  died  in  1888  and  his 
wife  died  in  1913.  They  had  two  children:  P.  E.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch ; 
and  Grace,  married  Lynn  L.  Brown,  and  they  live  retired  at  Highlands, 
Cal. 

P.  E.  Yokes  received  his  education  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of 
Jamestown,  Pa.,  and  when  a  young  man  entered  the  employ  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  as  a  ticket  agent.  Five  years  later  he  became  a  sales- 
man for  the  W.  C.  DeForrest  Automobile  &  Piano  Company  of  Sharon, 
Pa.  In  1912  Mr.  Yokes  removed  to  Erie  and  became  a  member  of  the  firm 
of  Hilliard  &  Yokes,  dealers  in  automobile  accessories.  Since  1919  he  has 
served  as  manager  of  the  Erie  branch  of  the  Miller  Rubber  Company,  which 
is  located  at  201  West  18th  Street. 

In  1907  Mr.  Yokes  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Margaret  Steines 
of  Sharon,  Pa.,  born  Feb.  4,  1884,  and  the  daughter  of  Gerhard  and  Mary 
(Filer)  Steines,  natives  of  Germany,  both  of  whom  are  now  deceased.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Yokes  have  been  born  three  daughters :  Madeline,  born  April 
14,  1915 ;  Dorothy,  born  Dec.  31,  1917 ;  and  Elizabeth,  born  Jan.  18,  1919. 

Mr.  Yokes  is  a  member  of  St.  Ann's  Catholic  Church  and  belongs  to  the 
Elks  lodge  and  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 


928  History  of  Erie  County 

Dr.  G.  William  Schlindwein,  eye,  ear,  nose  and  throat  specialist,  with 
offices  at  138  West  Ninth  Street,  is  among  Erie's  successful  physicians 
and  surgeons.  He  was  born  in  Erie,  Sept.  8,  1872,  and  is  the  son  of 
George  and  Louise  (Meyer)  Schlindwein. 

George  Schlindwein  was  born  in  Erie,  Aug.  28,  1842,  and  was  a 
prominent  merchant  of  this  section  for  more  than  50  years.  He  is  now 
retired.  His  wife,  who  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  in  1842,  died  Dec.  20, 
1917.  They  had  five  children,  as  follows:  Dr.  G.  William,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch;  Joseph  B.,  lives  in  Syracuse,  N.  Y. ;  Mary  L.,  died  at  the  age 
of  18  years ;  Josephine  Weinheimer,  hves  in  Syracuse,  N.  Y. ;  and  Rev. 
A.  Leo,  pastor  of  St.  Mary's  Catholic  Church,  Cleveland. 

Dr.  G.  William  Schlindwein  attended  the  parochial  schools  of  Erie 
and  also  took  a  business  course,  and  then  was  employed  in  the  coal  office 
of  R.  W.  Russell  and  later  by  the  Jacob  Weschler  Company.  He  was  grad- 
uated from  Jefferson  Medical  College  in  Philadelphia,  leading  the  class  of 
1904  with  high  honors,  and  served  one  year  as  interne  in  St.  Joseph's 
Hospital  in  Philadelphia.  The  following  year  was  spent  as  resident 
physician  in  Wills  Hospital,  Philadelphia,  and  in  1906  Doctor  Schlindwein 
came  to  Erie,  and  located  at  133  West  Ninth  Street.  In  1912  he  took  post- 
graduate work  in  Berlin  and  Vienna  and  upon  his  return  to  Erie,  estab- 
lished his  practice  in  his  present  location.  He  is  also  connected  with 
Hamot  and  St.  Vincent  Hospitals. 

On  Sept.  2,  1902,  Doctor  Schlindwein  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Miss  Rose  E.  Conrath,  of  Erie,  the  daughter  of  Herman  and  Kate 
(Schnurr)  Conrath. 

Doctor  Schlindwein  is  a  member  of  the  County,  State  and  American 
Medical  Associations,  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Amei'ican  College  of 
Surgeons  and  the  American  Academy  of  Ophthalmology  and  Otolaryngol- 
ogy. He  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Knights 
of  Columbus.  Doctor  Schlindwein  and  his  wife  are  well  known  in  Erie 
and  have  many  friends. 

Humphrey  Sullivan,  well  known  county  assessor  and  pioneer  resident  of 
Erie,  was  born  in  County  Cork,  Ireland,  March  2,  1852,  and  is  the  son  of 
Thomas  and  Ellen  (McCarthy)  Sulhvan. 

Thomas  Sullivan  and  his  wife  were  natives  of  Ireland,  where  they 
spent  their  entire  lives.  He  died  in  1883  and  his  wife  died  in  1892.  Mr. 
Sullivan  was  a  farmer  during  his  life,  all  of  which  was  spent  on  the  Sulli- 


'zf^'^/^^yc^<!C<.o~(>ui^    T^v^ 


History  of  Erie  County  929 

van  homestead  in  County  Cork,  and  which  is  now  farmed  by  his  son, 
Michael.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sullivan  five  children  were  born :  John,  married 
Ann  Dillon  of  England,  and  they  are  both  deceased ;  Michael,  married 
Helen  Manahan,  lives  in  Ireland;  Thomas,  died  at  Queensland,  Australia; 
Margaret,  deceased,  was  the  wife  of  M.  Donovan,  who  lives  in  Ireland; 
and  Humphrey,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Humphrey  Sullivan  attended  the  national  schools  of  Ireland  and  at  the 
age  of  20  years  came  to  this  country.  After  spending  a  year  in  Boston, 
Mass.,  he  came  to  Erie  in  1873,  where  he  was  employed  as  a  time  keeper 
at  the  grain  docks.  In  1895  he  was  appointed  county  assessor,  which 
office  he  has  since  filled  in  a  capable  manner. 

On  Nov.  4,  1880,  Mr.  Sullivan  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary 
E.  Meagher,  a  native  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  born  Aug.  13,  1857.  To  them  were 
born  nine  children,  as  follows :  Minnie,  lives  at  home ;  Ella,  Margaret,  and 
Josephine,  all  deceased;  Thomas,  married  Mabel  Sullivan,  lives  in  Erie; 
Lawrence,  deceased;  Elizabeth,  married  James  Clancy,  lives  at  Meadville, 
Pa.;  Anna  May,  a  teacher,  at  Wayne  School,  lives  at  home;  and  Joseph  H., 
deceased. 

Mr.  Sullivan  and  his  family  hold  membership  in  St.  Patrick's  Catholic 
church.     They  live  at  215  Holland  Street. 

W.  Louis  Schlesinger.  Among  the  most  capable  of  the  younger  attor- 
neys of  Erie  is  W.  Louis  Schlesinger,  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He 
was  born  at  McKeesport,  Pa.,  Oct.  2,  1893,  and  is  a  son  of  Jacob  and  Lena 
(Zimmerman)  Schlesinger. 

Jacob  Schlesinger  is  a  native  of  Austria  Hungary,  as  is  also  his  wife. 
He  was  born  in  1863  and  she  in  1865.  They  have  resided  in  this  country 
for  over  40  years  and  now  live  retired  at  McKeesport,  Pa.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Schlesinger  were  born  the  following  children:  (1)  W.  Louis,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch;  (2)  Sadie  Helen,  married  Julius  Degner,  lives  in 
Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  and  they  have  two  children:  Sidney,  born  April  1,  1908; 
and  Dorothy  Helen,  born  in  March,  1914;  (3)  Belle,  born  in  October,  1897, 
married  David  Krause,  a  World  War  veteran,  and  they  have  a  son,  Arthur 
Selwyn  Krause,  born  in  January,  1924;  (4)  Samuel  Alexander,  born  in 
October,  1901,  a  student  at  the  University  of  Pittsburgh;  and  (5)  Flor- 
ence B.,  born  in  October,  1908. 

W.  Louis  Schlesinger  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Mc- 
Keesport, from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1910.  The  following  year  was. 
(59) 


930  History  of  Erie  County 

spent  at  the  College  of  the  University  of  Pittsburgh,  and  in  1911  Mi-. 
Schlesinger  entered  the  law  school  of  the  University  of  Pittsburgh,  from 
which  he  received  his  LL.B.  degree  in  1914.  He  was  admitted  to  the 
Supreme  Court  of  Pennsylvania,  Oct.  12,  1914,  and  to  the  Allegheny 
County  Bar  on  the  same  date.  Until  January,  1916,  Mr.  Schles- 
inger was  associated  in  practice  with  H.  Fred  Mercer,  Esq.,  in  Pittsburgh, 
and  he  has  since  been  located  in  Erie,  with  offices  in  the  Marine  Bank 
Building.  In  January,  1916,  he  was  admitted  to  the  Erie  County  bar 
and  the  Superior  and  Federal  Courts  of  Pennsylvania. 

Mr.  Schlesinger  enlisted  in  the  army  during  the  World  War  in  August, 
1918,  and  was  sent  to  Camp  Holt,  Gettysburg,  Pa.  He  was  later  trans- 
ferred to  Erie  and  served  with  the  District  Appeal  Draft  Board  until 
Dec.  29,  1918,  when  he  was  sent  to  Camp  Dix,  N.  J.  He  was  honorably  dis- 
charged Jan.  9,  1919.  Before  entering  the  World  War  Mr.  Schlesinger 
was  secretary  of  the  Jewish  Welfare  Board  of  Erie,  an  organization  with 
activities  during  the  war  similar  to  those  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  and  K.  of  C. 

Mr.  Schlesinger  is  a  member  of  the  West  Eighth  Street  Temple  and 
belongs  to  the  Erie  Lodge  of  B'nai  B'rith  of  which  he  is  past  president 
and  a  delegate  to  the  Grand  Lodge  at  Erie  in  1922.  He  also  belongs  to 
the  Men's  Club  of  the  West  Eighth  Street  Temple  of  which  he  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  board  of  directors,  and  he  is  identified  with  the  Y.  M.  C.  A., 
Erie  County  Bar  Association,  University  Club,  Erie  Elks  lodge.  Commer- 
cial Law  League  of  America,  Glenwood  Park  Golf  Association,  and  the 
Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  American 
Legion,  Post  No.  11,  Roger  Israel. 

Lewis  W.  Olds.  A  man  of  good  business  talents  and  ability,  Lewis  W. 
Olds  is  intimately  associated  with  one  of  the  most  important  manufactur- 
ing industries  of  Corry,  being  president  of  the  Climax  Manufacturing  Com- 
pany, builders  of  geared  locomotives,  and  also  interested  in  timber  lands 
in  Washington.  A  son  of  Mason  0.  Olds,  he  was  born  March  30,  1865, 
at  Youngsville,  Warren  County,  Pa.  He  comes  of  New  England  stock,  his 
grandfather,  Elisha  Olds,  a  lineal  descendant  of  Phineas  Olds,  who  was 
a  son  of  Ezekiel  Old,  of  Brookfield,  Mass.,  having  been  born  and  brought 
up  in  Vermont,  and  who  served  as  corporal  and  captain  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution,  being  in  the  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  June  17,  1777,  also  in  the- 
Battle  of  Lexington.  Ezekiel  Old  also  served  in  the  French  and  Indian 
wars,  as  mentioned  in  History  North  Brookfield,  pages  214-215  and  697. 

Ezekiel  was  the  son  of  Capt.  William  Old  who  took  part  in  the  siege 


History  of  Erie  County  931 

and  capture  of  Louisburg  in  Queen  Anne's  War  in  1747,  and  William  Old 
is  a  son  of  Dr.  Robert  Old  who  settled  in  Windsor,  Conn.,  in  1669,  having 
come  from  England  in  that  year  and  settled  in  Connecticut.  The  letter  S 
was  added  to  the  surname  Old  as  mentioned,  pages  44-45  of  History  Suf- 
field,  Colony  Massachusetts  1660-1749,  pubhshed  by  Hezekiel  Spencer  Shel- 
don. 

In  company  with  his  half-brothers,  Joel  and  Gilbert  Olds,  Elisha  Olds 
migrated  from  the  Green  Mountain  state  to  Pennsylvania  in  pioneer  days, 
making  the  entire  journey  with  teams.  Locating  in  Erie  County,  he  bought 
a  tract  of  forest  covered  land  on  Mill  Creek,  being  one  of  the  earlier 
settlers  of  that  part  of  the  county.  Making  a  clearing,  in  which  he  erected 
a  log  cabin,  he  began  the  improvement  of  a  homestead.  After  he  had 
well  started  his  farming  operations,  he  took  advantage  of  the  water  on 
the  place,  developed  the  water  power,  erected  a  saw  mill  and  a  pump  shop, 
and  was  one  of  the  pioneer  lumber  and  pump  manufacturers  of  Erie 
County.  Succeeding  in  his  labors,  he  cleared  a  goodly  portion  of  his  land, 
erected  a  substantial  set  of  frame  buildings  and  there  resided  until  his 
death  at  the  age  of  67  years.  He  was  three  times  married.  He  married 
first  Abigail  W.  Flint,  who  was  born  in  Vermont,  a  daughter  of  James  and 
Jerusha  Flint.  He  married  second  Mary  A.  Deming,  of  Kenosha,  Wis.,  and 
married  for  his  third  wife,  Mrs.  Electa  (Chase)  Huie.  By  his  first  mar- 
riage he  had  13  children,  as  follows:  James  P.,  George,  Oby,  Oro,  Mason 
0.,  Allen,  Welcome,  Henry,  Delight,  Moses,  Nellie,  and  Martha.  One  child 
died  in  infancy.  Of  his  second  marriage  two  children  were  born,  Dana 
E.,  and  Walter  R. 

Mason  0.  Olds  was  born  July  21,  1836,  at  Belle  Valley,  Mill  Creek  Town- 
ship, and  was  there  reared  on  the  home  farm,  receiving  his  education  in 
the  pioneer  schools  of  his  district.  Beginning  when  young  to  assist  his 
father  in  the  shop  and  mill,  he  became  familiar  with  the  business,  and  on 
attaining  his  majority  went  to  Youngsville,  Warren  County,  Pa.,  where 
he  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  pumps  until  1870.  Coming  in  that  year 
to  Corry,  he  established  a  pum^  factory,  which  he  conducted  successfully 
until  his  death,  two  years  later,  while  yet  in  manhood's  prime.  His  wife, 
whose  maiden  name  was  Eliza  Mead,  was  born  at  Youngsville,  Pa.,  in  1838, 
a  daughter  of  Joseph  Mead,  a  pioneer  farmer  of  Warren  County.  She  died 
in  1906,  aged  68  years. 

The  only  son  of  his  parents,  Lewis  W.  Olds  I'eceived  a  practical  edu- 
cation in  the  public  schools  of  Corry,  after  which  he  commenced  his  busi- 
ness career  as  a  bookkeeper  for  the  Climax  Manufacturing  Company,  ac- 


932  History  of  Erie  County 

cepting  the  position  in  1885.  After  a  few  years  of  faithful  work  in  that 
capacity,  he  became  financially  interested  in  the  business  as  a  part  owner, 
and  in  1904,  when  it  was  incorporated,  Mr.  Olds  was  elected  president  of 
the  company  and  has  since  devoted  his  entire  time  and  energies  to  its 
interests. 

Mr.  Olds  married  in  1885  Nellie  Raym^ond,  whose  father,  Murray  M. 
Raymond,  and  grandfather,  Francis  Raymond,  were  born  in  Columbus 
Township,  Warren  County,  Pa.,  where  her  great-grandfather,  Seth  Sears 
Raymond,  was  a  pioneer  settler,  and  where  her  great-great-grandfather, 
Zachariah  Raymond,  a  Revolutionary  soldier  (mentioned  in  Book  1298, 
Massachusetts,  Soldiers  and  Sailors  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  page  1013) 
spent  his  last  years.  Seth  Sears  Raymond  came  to  Warren  County  when 
the  country  round-about  was  in  its  primeval  wildness.  Buying  a  tract  of 
timber  land  in  Columbus  Township,  he  cleared  and  improved  a  homlestead 
on  which  he  lived  many  years.  When  ready  to  give  up  active  labor,  he 
removed  to  the  village  and  there  lived  retired  until  his  death.  Brought 
up  on  the  home  farm,  Francis  Raymond  early  turned  his  attention  to 
agricultural  pursuits,  and  having  purchased  land  in  Columbus  Township 
was  there  engaged  in  general  farming  during  his  active  life,  residing  there 
until  his  death,  at  the  age  of  four  score  years.  His  wife,  whose  maiden 
name  was  Delia  Colegrove,  was  born  in  Concord  Township,  where  her  par- 
ents were  early  settlers.  Muri-ay  M.  Raymond  was  born  June  10,  1843, 
and  grew  to  mjanhood  on  the  home  farm.  During  the  Civil  War  he  served 
one  year  in  the  Union  army,  after  which  he  engaged  in  the  lumber  business 
for  a  time.  He  later  established  himself  in  Corry  as  a  manufacturer  and 
was  president  of  the  Raymond  Manufacturing  Company.  He  married 
Seraphina  Bishop,  who  was  born  in  Columbus  Township,  a  daughter  of 
Joseph  Bishop.  Joseph  Bishop's  mother's  maiden  name  was  Sallie  Burk, 
daughter  of  Joseph  Burk,  who  served  in  the  Revolutionary  War  at  New- 
berry, Guilford,  and  Westminster,  mentioned  in  Vermont  Revolutionary 
Roll,  book  991-12,  page  353.  She  died  in  1903,  leaving  three  children: 
Nellie  G.,  wife  of  Mr.  Olds;  Frank  M.,  and  Harriet.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Olds 
have  one  son  living,  Murray  Raymond  Olds,  born  in  1890.  Their  first  son, 
Mason  0.,  was  born  in  1887  and  died  in  1904. 

Mr.  Olds  is  a  director  of  the  National  Bank  of  Corry.  He  has  served 
as  a  member  of  the  Corry  Council  and  city  commission.  He  is  identified 
with  the  Masonic  lodge,  being  a  33rd  degree  Mason,  and  he  belongs  to 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  Elks  lodge. 


History  of  Erie  County  933 

John  Stephen  Rilling.  Among  the  prominent  members  of  tlie  Erie 
County  bar,  wlio  has  practiced  his  profession  in  Erie  for  40  years  with 
honor  and  exceptional  ability,  is  John  Stephen  Rilling.  He  was  born  in 
Mill  Creek  Township,  Erie  County,  July  22,  1860,  and  is  the  son  of  Chris- 
topher and  Elizabeth   (Ackerman)   Rilling. 

The  paternal  grandparents  of  John  S.  Rilling  were  Stephen  Henry  and 
Mary  (Young)  Rilling,  and  his  maternal  grandparents  were  Valentine  and 
Susan  (Weigel)  Ackerman.  His  four  grandparents  were  born  in  the 
southern  part  of  Germany  in  the  Neckar  Valley  near  the  town  of  Tubin- 
gen. In  1834  they  embarked  on  and  sailed  on  the  Rhine  to  Antwerp,  where 
they  took  a  sailing  vessel  for  America  and  were  three  months  in  making 
the  passage.  Arriving  in  Philadelphia,  they  proceeded  via  Pittsburgh, 
canal  and  horse  drawn  vehicles,  to  Erie  and  located  on  land  in  Mill  Creek 
Township,  a  short  distance  south  of  the  city  of  Erie.  Christopher  Rill- 
ing, father  of  John  S.  Rilling,  son  of  Stephen  Henry  and  Mary  (Young) 
Rilling,  was  married  on  Aug.  20,  1846,  to  Elizabeth  Ackerman,  daughter 
of  Valentine  and  Susan  Ackerman.  They  both  came  from  Germany  with 
their  parents  when  very  young. 

John  Stephen  Rilling  attended  the  public  schools  in  his  native  township 
and  Northwestern  State  Normal  School  at  Edinboro,  Pa. ;  studied  law 
and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  Erie  County,  Feb.  19,  1885,  and  to  the 
Superior  and  Supreme  courts  of  Pennsylvania,  the  United  States  District 
Court  and  the  Supreme  court  of  the  United  States.  From  the  time  of 
his  admission  to  the  bar  he  has  continued  in  active  practice,  and  has 
offices  in  the  Ariel  Building. 

Mr.  Rilling  was  a  candidate  for  Lieutenant  Governor  of  Pennsylvania 
in  1894  and  was  a  delegate  at  large  to  the  National  Democratic  Conven- 
tion which  met  in  Chicago  in  1896.  In  1907  he  was  appointed  by  Governor 
Stuart  a  member  of  the  Commission  to  codify  the  school  laws  of  Penn- 
sylvania and  was  the  only  lawyer  on  the  commission.  When  the  School 
Code  became  a  law  in  1911,  he  was  appointed  by  Governor  Tener  a  mem- 
ber of  the  State  Board  of  Education,  on  which  Board  he  continued  to 
serve  until  May  26,  1915,  when  he  was  appointed  by  Governor  Brumbaugh 
a  member  of  the  Public  Service  Commission  for  the  term  of  nine  years, 
dating  from  July  1,  1913. 

Mr.  Rilling  was  married  Oct.  20,  1887,  to  Miss  Stella  Armstrong, 
daughter  of  Andrew  and  Amy  Maria  Armstrong.  Her  father  was  killed 
at  the  bloody  angle  at  the  battle  of  Spottsylvania  during  the  Civil  War 


934  History  of  Erie  County 

and  her  mother  died  June  7,  1924.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rilling  have  two  chil- 
dren: Marian  E.,  married  John  R.  Metcalf  of  Erie  and  they  have  two 
children,  Mary  R.,  and  John  R.,  Jr. ;  Ruth  A.  Rilling  married  Chester  H. 
Lang  of  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  and  they  have  two  daughters,  Margaret  I., 
and  Amy  A.  Lang. 

Mr.  Rilling  is  identified  with  the  Masonic  lodge  and  is  past  master  of 
Tyrian  lodge  and  past  commander  of  Mount  Olivet  Commandery,  was  one 
of  the  incorporators  of  St.  Vincent's  Hospital  Association  in  1894  and  is 
still  connected  with  that  institution.  He  was  also  one  of  the  charter  mem- 
bers of  the  Kahkwa  Club. 

George  E.  Pierce.  Among  the  native  born  citizens  of  Erie  County  who 
have  spent  their  lives  within  its  boundaries,  and  have  aided  in  every  possi- 
ble way  its  growth  and  development,  whether  relating  to  its  agricultural, 
commercial  or  financial  interests,  is  George  E.  Pierce.  He  was  born  at 
North  East,  Dec.  25,  1860,  and  is  the  son  of  Earl  and  Louisa  L.  (Histed) 
Pierce. 

Earl  Pierce  was  born  at  North  East,  Dec.  19,  1820.  His  parents  were 
Palmer  and  Anna  (Brewster)  Pierce,  the  former  a  native  of  New  York,  and 
both  of  English  descent,  the  Pierces  being  lineally  descended  from  one  of 
the  Pilgrim'fathers.  Palmer  Pierce  purchased  a  farm  in  North  East  Town- 
ship in  1819,  and  the  following  year  located  upon  it  with  his  family,  and 
there  continued  to  reside  throughout  his  life  with  the  exception  of  a  year 
or  two  spent  in  Chatauqua  County,  N.  Y.  He  died  in  1859  and  his  wife 
in  1868. 

Earl  Pierce  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  and  after  learning  the 
carpenter's  trade  followed  that  business  for  24  years  at  North  East.  Jle 
purchased  a  farm  in  the  township,  where  he  resided  for  12  years,  during 
which  period  he  was  a  dealer  in  agricultural  implements.  In  1876  he  re- 
turned to  North  East  where  he  spent  the  remiainder  of  his  life.  His  wife, 
who  was  born  at  North  East,  July  6,  1822,  is  also  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Pierce  had  two  children:  Royce  S.,  born  at  North  East,  May  2,  1846,  died 
in  August,  1907 ;  and  George  E.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

George  E.  Pierce  attended  the  schools  of  North  East  and  Lake  Shore 
Seminary.  At  an  early  age  he  became  interested  in  the  grape  growing 
industry  and  established  the  George  E.  Pierce  Grape  Company,  which  for 
a  number  of  years  has  been  one  of  the  leading  concerns  of  its  kind  in 
this  section  of  the  state.    Mr.  Pierce  is  vice  president  of  the  National  Bank 


History  of  Erie  County  935 

of  North  East,  president  of  the  Fernald  Manufacturing  Company,  North 
East,  and  president  of  the  Electric  Materials  Company,  North  East.  He 
has  served  as  burgess  of  North  East  since  Jan.  1,  1922. 

In  1886  Mr.  Pierce  was  married  to  Miss  Cora  Rogers,  who  was  born 
at  North  East,  Feb.  14,  1860.  They  have  a  son,  Carleton  R.,  born  in  June, 
1895.  He  is  a  graduate  of  Swarthmore  College  and  is  now  superintendent 
of  his  father's  farms. 

Mr.  Pierce  is  a  member  of  the  North  East  Presbyterian  church,  a  32nd 
degree  Mason,  and  belongs  to  the  North  East  Club.  His  wife  organized 
the  D.  A.  R.  Chapter  at  North  East  and  is  Regent  of  that  Chapter.  She 
is  also  State  Vice  Regent  of  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Colonists.  Mrs. 
Pierce  is  the  daughter  of  Zenas  and  Lydia  (Leet)  Rogers,  who  were  both 
natives  of  Erie  County. 

H.  Harold  Meyer,  manager  and  treasurer  of  the  Keystone  Co-Operative 
Grape  Association,  is  a  well  known  and  successful  business  man  of  North 
East.  He  was  born  in  Hodgeman  County,  Kansas,  Aug.  30,  1888,  and  is 
a  son  of  E.  Carlos  and  Ida  May   (Chapman)   Meyer. 

E.  Carlos  Meyer  was  born  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Nov.  2,  1864,  and  his 
wife  was  a  native  of  Chautauqua,  N.  Y.,  born  July  25,  1865.  He  was  a 
graduate  of  Ohio  State  University  and  when  a  young  man  settled  on  a 
ranch  of  640  acres  in  Hodgeman  County,  Kan.  Later  he  returned  to  Cin- 
cinnati, and  at  the  time  of  his  death  in  1894,  was  secretary  of  the  H.  H. 
Meyer  Packing  Company.  He  is  buried  at  Lawrenceburg,  Ind.  His  wife 
died  in  June,  1920.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Meyer  two  children  were  born :  Bertha 
Mae,  born  June  4,  1886,  married  Oct.  6,  1908,  to  Dr.  Arthur  W.  Dieffen- 
bach,  a  prominent  dentist  of  Westfield,  N.  Y. ;  and  H.  Harold,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch. 

H.  Harold  Meyer  received  his  education  in  the  public  and  high  schools 
of  western  New  York  and  in  1908  was  graduated  from  Bryant  &  Strat- 
ton's  College,  Buffalo.  He  was  then  employed  as  a  bookkeeper  by  the  Grape 
Products  Company  of  North  East,  and  later  traveled  as  a  representative 
for  the  Fernald  Manufacturing  Company  of  North  East.  In  1911  Mr. 
Meyer  was  associated  with  the  Jacob  Dold  Packing  Company  at  Buffalo, 
later  with  the  W.  D.  Andrews  Company,  Buffalo,  and  in  1914  he  entered 
the  employ  of  the  Welch  Grape  Juice  Company  of  Westfield,  N.  Y.  The 
following  year  he  was  transferred  to  their  factory  at  St.  Catherines,  Can., 
as  manager,  and  six  months  later  to  their  factory  at  North  East  as  assist- 


936  History  of  Erie  County 

ant  superintendent.  After  two  years  he  returned  to  the  company's  main 
office  at  Westfield.  In  April,  1918,  Mr.  Meyer  went  with  the  Federal  Trade 
Commission,  Washington,  D.  C,  as  an  examiner  and  auditor  on  special 
investigating  work  and  remained  in  that  position  until  1920,  when  he 
accepted  a  position  as  office  manager  and  chief  accountant  with  the  Har- 
vard Vineyard  Company,  Brocton,  N.  Y.  In  1922  he  came  to  North  East 
as  manager  and  treasurer  of  the  Keystone  Co-operative  Grape  Association, 
and  in  1923  was  made  a  director  of  the  company. 

On  Nov.  25,  1914,  Mr.  Meyer  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Hallie 
Adelle  Rouse,  of  Noi'th  East,  born  Aug.  1,  1890. 

Mr.  Meyer  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist-Episcopal  Church,  a  32nd 
degree  Mason  and  belongs  to  the  Elks  lodge.  Lions  Club,  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and 
is  Director  of  the  North  East  Golf  Club.  He  is  a  member  of  Erie  Motor 
Club;  a  Shriner  of  Zem,  Zem  Temple,  Erie,  Pa.,  and  a  Director  of  H.  H. 
Meyer  Packing  Company,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  He  is  a  substantial  citizen  of 
Erie  County  and  a  worthy  member  of  his  community. 

Conrad  Hess,  Jr.,  merchant  tailor,  is  a  member  of  a  prominent  pioneer 
family  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  and  is  the  son  of 
Conrad  and  Elizabeth  (Schellong)  Hess,  natives  of  Germany. 

Soon  after  their  marriage  in  Germany,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Conrad  Hess 
emigrated  to  this  country  and  settled  in  Erie,  where  he  was  employed  at 
his  trade  as  a  cigar  maker.  In  1870  he  engaged  in  business  for  himself, 
and  at  the  time  of  his  retirement  in  1900  he  ranked  among  the  prosperous 
business  men  of  the  city.  He  died  in  1922.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hess  the 
following  children  were  born :  John  C,  lives  in  Erie ;  Conrad,  Jr.,  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch;  Matilda,  lives  in  Erie;  Matthew,  warden  at  the  Erie 
County  Prison,  formerly  of  Matthew  Hess  &  Brother,  leading  cigar  manu- 
facturers of  Erie;  Catherine,  married  William  Goulett,  lives  in  Erie;  An- 
thony, employed  by  the  American  Cleaning  &  Pressing  Company,  Erie; 
Emma,  married  Ray  Zuck,  Erie,  Pa. ;  and  James,  lives  in  Erie. 

Conrad  Hess,  Jr.,  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and 
when  a  boy  worked  with  his  father  and  learned  the  cigar  trade  while 
going  to  school.  At  the  age  of  13  he  began  learning  the  tailor  trade 
with  Warnath  Brothers  in  Erie,  serving  four  years.  He  then  w^ent  to 
New  York  City  to  learn  more  of  the  trade  and  there  took  a  course  in 
men's  garment  cutting  in  Professor  Green's  Cutting  Academy  of  New 
York.     Later  he  spent  10  years  in  traveling  from  city  to  city,  working 


CONRAD    HESS.    JR. 


History  of  Erie  County  937 

at  his  trade  as  a  coat  maker.  In  1898  he  returned  to  Erie,  Pa.,  and  worked 
for  Charles  S.  Marks,  merchant  tailor.  In  1901  he  began  working  for 
Isaac  Baker  &  Sons  Company,  where  he  continued  until  1916,  when  he 
established  his  present  business  at  266  West  Eighth  Street.  He  is  the 
owner  of  the  building  in  which  his  store  is  located,  a  fine  two-story  brick 
building.  He  has  an  excellent  trade  and  his  is  one  of  the  high  class  tailor- 
ing establishments  of  the  country. 

On  Nov.  8,  1899,  Mr.  Hess  was  married  to  Miss  Julia  Richtsheit,  of 
Erie,  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Catherine  Richtsheit. 

Mr.  Hess  is  vice  president  of  the  board  of  education  and  has  served 
as  a  member  of  the  board  since  1919.  He  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of 
St.  Matthews  Lutheran  Church,  a  32nd  degree  Mason,  and  member  of 
the  Shrine,  and  belongs  to  the  Elks  Lodge,  Knights  of  Malta,  Chamber  of 
Commerce  and  Union  Club.  Mr.  Hess  takes  a  keen  interest  in  educa- 
tional affairs  and  is  a  man  of  progressive  ideas. 

Theodore  C.  Hill  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War  and  a  popular  young 
business  man  of  North  East.  He  was  born  at  Clymer,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  10, 
1893,  and  is  the  son  of  Clyde  C.  and  Cora  E.   (Case)  Hill. 

Clyde  C.  Hill,  well  known  county  engineer  of  Erie  County,  was  born 
at  Clymer,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  16,  1865,  the  son  of  Jamles  and  Aurelia  S.  (Green) 
Hill.  In  1897  the  Hill  family  removed  to  North  East,  where  Clyde  C. 
Hill  successfully  conducted  a  fire  insurance  business  until  1915.  He  also 
followed  his  profession  of  civil  engineer  from  1895  and  was  elected  county 
engineer  in  1919.  He  resides  in  North  East,  Pa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hill  have 
three  children:  Theodore  C,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  James  R.,  a  mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  Hill  &  Hill,  civil  engineers,  in  the  Marine  Bank  Building, 
Erie;  and  Lucy  A.,  who  lives  at  Dundalk,  Md. 

Theodore  C.  Hill  was  graduated  from  North  East  High  School  in  1911 
and  after  attending  Allegheny  College  was  graduated  from  the  University 
of  Michigan  in  1916,  and  was  later  licensed  by  the  University  of  New 
York  as  a  civil  engineer.  In  1917  he  was  appointed  city  engineer  at  West 
Union,  Iowa,  and  also  served  as  county  engineer  of  roads  and  bridges  in 
Bremer  County,  Iowa,  until  1918,  when  he  began  the  study  for  Doctor  of 
Public  Health  in  the  medical  school  at  the  University  of  Michigan.  On 
Feb.  28,  1918,  he  volunteered  for  service  in  the  army  and  served  as  a 
member  of  the  water  supply  division  of  the  sanitary  corps.  Mr.  Hill  served 
in  France  for  ten  months  and  was  discharged  at  Camp  Mitchell,  L.  I.,  July 


938  History  of  Erie  County 

12,  1919.  He  is  now  city  engineer  of  North  East,  Girard,  Edinboro,  Cam- 
bridge Springs  and  Westfield,  N.  Y.,  and  is  also  secretary  and  treasurer 
of  the  civil  engineering  firms  of  Hill  &  Hill,  Erie. 

In  1918  Mr.  Hill  was  married  to  Miss  Ada  Thompson,  of  Cochranton, 
Pa.,  and  they  have  two  daughters,  Kathryn,  born  May  19,  1920,  and  Marie 
Estelle,  born  Feb.  7,  1925. 

Mr.  Hill  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  a  32nd  degree  Mason, 
and  belongs  to  the  American  Legion,  Veterans  of  Foreign  Wars,  Disabled 
Veterans  of  the  World  War,  Sigma  Alpha  Epsilon  fraternity,  and  the 
Lamda  Chi  Alpha  fraternity.  He  is  also  a  life  member  of  the  University 
of  Michigan  Union. 

DeWitt  C.  Bostwick.  One  of  the  most  prominent  of  the  successful 
business  men  of  North  East  is  DeWitt  C.  Bostwick,  president  of  the  Key- 
stone Co-operative  Grape  Association.  He  was  born  at  Vernon,  Oneida 
County,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  25,  1847,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Harriet  (Butler) 
Bostwick,  both  natives  of  Utica,  N.  Y. 

John  Bostwick  was  a  cabinet  maker  by  trade  and  in  1867  removed  to 
State  Line,  where  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business,  which  he  fol- 
lowed until  within  four  years  of  his  death,  Feb.  21,  1880.  He  was  born 
July  20,  1807.  His  wife  died  Sept.  14,  1893.  They  were  the  parents  of 
four  children:  Rachael,  born  Jan.  1,  1845,  married  Doctor  Strong,  West- 
field,  N.  Y.;  DeWitt  C,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Marcia,  born  July  26, 
1851,  married  Levi  Miller,  Canton,  Ohio ;  and  Carrie,  born  March  29,  1860, 
mflrried  George  Bartoo,  St.  Angars,  Iowa. 

DeWitt  C.  Bostwick  is  of  the  seventh  generation  from  John  Bostwick 
who  came  from  England  with  his  three  brothers,  Robert,  Ebenezer,  and 
Joseph,  about  1688,  and  moved  to  Stamford,  Conn.,  in  the  year  1707,  and 
was  the  second  person  settling  in  that  town.  He  was  of  Scotch  extraction. 
DeWitt  C.  Bostwick  was  educated  in  the  private  school  and  in  Bryant  & 
Stratton's  College,  graduating  in  1866.  He  then  came  to  State  Line 
and  engaged  in  business  with  his  father  until  1871,  when  he  went  to  Ohio 
and  engaged  in  the  construction  of  the  Painesville  &  Youngstown  Railroad, 
in  the  capacity  of  superintendent  of  construction.  Mr.  Bostwick  has  been 
interested  in  the  grape  industry  for  many  years  and  in  1910-1911  was 
manager  of  the  Keystone  Grape  Company,  and  elected  president  in  1912. 
He  served  in  this  capacity  until  the  liquidation  of  the  company  in  1921, 
in  which  year  the  Keystone  Co-Operative  Grape  Association  was  formed. 


History  of  Erie  County  939 

Jan.  1,  1922,  he  was  elected  chairman  of  the  executive  board  and  Jan.  1, 
1925,  was  elected  president  of  the  company.  Mr.  Bostwick  is  a  director 
of  the  North  East  National  Bank  and  chairman  of  the  auditing  committee. 
He  is  also  interested  in  the  Electric  Materials  Company  of  North  East. 

Sept.  4,  1872,  Mr.  Bostwick  was  married  to  Miss  Ottilia  A.  Hall,  the 
daughter  of  George  Hall.  They  have  a  son,  George  H.,  who  was  born 
Dec.  18,  1879. 

George  H.  Bostwick  attended  the  public  schools  of  Ripley,  N.  Y.,  and 
is  a  graduate  of  Cornell  University,  where  he  specialized  in  the  study  of 
horticulture.  He  is  superintendent  of  the  Bostwick  &  Son  Farms.  Mr. 
Bostwick  was  married  to  Miss  Gertrude  McCord,  a  native  of  North  East, 
born  Aug.  7,  1884,  ana  the  daughter  of  William  and  Florence  (Bemis)  Mc- 
Cord. They  have  three  children:  Kenneth  McCord,  Florence  Ottilia,  and 
Catherine  Hall  Bostwick.     Geo.  H.  Bostwick  is  a  Knight  Templar  Mason. 

DeWitt  C.  Bostwick  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  order  and  is  a  Re- 
publican. 

N.  P.  Fuller,  president  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  North  East,  is 
a  member  of  one  of  the  early  pioneer  families  of  Erie  County.  He  was 
born  in  North  East,  Sept.  5,  1875,  and  is  a  son  of  Elisha  N.  and  Eliza 
(Shankland)  Fuller. 

EHsha  N.  Fuller  was  a  native  of  North  East,  born  May  4,  1845.  He 
engaged  in  the  oil  business  at  Bradford,  Pa.,  for  a  number  of  years  and 
later  became  a  leading  business  man  of  North  East.  He  built  and  man- 
aged the  Earl  Hotel  here  as  well  as  other  business  blocks  in  the  city.  Mr. 
Fuller  died  in  1901  and  his  widow,  who  was  born  at  Ellicottville,  N.  Y., 
Nov.  4,  1847,  resides  at  North  East.  They  had  two  children:  N.  P.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch ;  and  Emma  K.,  born  at  North  East,  Sept.  20,  1884. 
She  married  Frank  M.  Baldwin,  a  druggist  of  North  East,  where  they  hve. 

N.  P.  Fuller  attended  the  public  schools  of  North  East  and  at  the  age 
of  16  years  began  his  business  career  in  the  bank  of  W.  A.  Ensign  &  Son, 
of  North  East,  with  whom  he  remained  until  1893.  He  has  since  been 
identified  with  the  First  National  Bank  and  has  risen  to  his  present  posi- 
tion as  president  from  messenger  boy.  He  was  elected  to  this  office  in 
January,  1925. 

In  1897  Mr.  Fuller  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Anna  E.  Loop, 
who  was  born  at  North  East.  They  have  a  son,  Blair  M.  Fuller,  who  was 
born  Aug.  18,  1898.     He  was  educated  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of 


940  History  of  Erie  County 

North  East  and  in  1921  was  graduated  from  Annapolis  Naval  Academy 
with  the  rank  of  ensign.  He  has  since  been  promoted  to  lieutenant  and 
is  at  present  on  the  U.  S.  S.  "Pope". 

Mr.  Fuller  is  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  church  and  his  wife  holds 
membership  in  the  Baptist  church.  He  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge  and 
the  North  East  Golf  Club.  He  has  many  friends  throughout  Erie  County 
and  is  highly  esteemed. 

George  W.  Blaine,  retired,  is  one  of  North  East's  oldest  business  men 
and  ranks  among  the  substantial  citizens  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born 
at  North  East,  March  6,  1849,  and  is  the  son  of  A.  W.  and  Sarah  A.  (Piatt) 
Blaine,  also  natives  of  North  East. 

James  Blaine,  paternal  grandfather  of  George  W.  Blaine,  was  born  in 
Juniata  County,  Pa.,  and  Jeremiah  Piatt,  maternal  grandfather,  was  a 
native  of  Connecticut.  Both  became  residents  of  North  East  Township 
about  1800  and  purchased  land  from  the  Holland  Land  Company. 

A.  W.  Blaine  and  Sarah  A.  Piatt  were  married  in  North  East  and  were 
prominent  and  well  known  residents  there.  He  was  actively  and  success- 
fully engaged  in  the  banking  business  for  a  number  of  years.  In  1864  he 
organized  the  First  National  Bank  in  association  with  Amos  Gould,  John 
McCord,  and  William  Griifith  and  was  elected  its  first  cashier,  in  which 
capacity  he  controlled  its  interests  and  made  it  one  of  the  substantial  in- 
stitutions of  that  locality.  He  also  did  much  towards  shaping  the  public 
policy  of  that  district,  his  ability  and  fitness  for  leadership  resulting  in 
his  election  to  various  offices.  For  some  time  he  filled  the  position  as  jus- 
tice of  the  peace  and  three  times  was  called  upon  to  represent  his  district 
in  the  general  assembly.  He  died  Jan.  10,  1879,  and  his  wife  died  in 
May,  1867.  Their  children  were:  Alice  E.,  deceased,  was  the  wife  of  Col. 
W.  A.  Robinson,  a  banker  of  Pittsburgh,  and  they  had  three  children, 
Alice  Blaine,  A.  Blaine,  and  W.  A.  Robinson;  George  W.,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch;  and  Mary  R.,  m'arried  Joseph  T.  McCord,  both  deceased,  and 
they  had  two  children,  Florence  B.,  and  Ruth  M.  McCord,  who  reside  in 
Erie. 

George  W.  Blaine  acquired  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  North 
East  and  in  1870,  when  21  years  of  age,  he  began  business  as  proprietor 
of  a  grocery  store,  but  a  year  later  sold  out  and  went  on  his  father's 
farm,  which  he  rented  until  the  father's  death.  He  then  purchased  the 
place  which  he  developed  into  a  fine  50  acre  vineyard.    In  1893  Mr.  Blaine 


History  of  Erie  County  941 

turned  his  attention  to  banking  and  with  several  other  leading  business 
men  organized  the  First  National  Bank  of  North  East.  He  was  elected 
its  president  and  served  in  that  capacity  until  his  resignation  in  1925.  He 
then  accepted  the  chairmanship  of  the  Board  of  Directors.  Mr.  Blaine  is 
president  of  the  Blaine,  MacKay,  Lee  Company,  flour,  feed  and  coal  deal- 
ers, and  he  is  also  president  of  the  North  East  Cider  Works,  one  of  the 
oldest  cider  and  vinegar  works  in  this  part  of  the  country,  being  estab- 
lished in  1859.  He  is  past  president  of  the  American  Beauty  Stove  Works 
of  Erie.  Since  the  time  of  the  organization  of  the  North  East  Club  in 
1905  he  has  served  as  its  president,  and  he  has  been  president  of  the  Horti- 
culture Society  of  North  East  for  many  years. 

On  Sept.  25,  1872,  Mr.  Blaine  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  M.  Hampson, 
of  North  East,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  James  and  Matilda  (Porter) 
Hampson,  natives  of  North  East  and  Scotland,  respectively.  Mr.  Hampson 
died  in  1898  and  his  wife  died  in  1896.  They  had  four  children:  George 
A.,  engaged  in  the  real  estate  and  insurance  business  at  North  East; 
Harriet  J.,  died  in  1876;  Alice,  married  J.  S.  Towne,  deceased,  and  she 
lives  in  Erie.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blaine  one  child  was  born,  Ruth  M.,  de- 
ceased. 

Mr.  Blaine  is  a  Republican  and  has  served  as  a  member  of  the  city 
council  for  13  years.  He  has  been  president  of  Oak  Hill  Cemetery  at  North 
East  for  25  years.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  of  which 
he  has  been  trustee  for  many  years.  Mr.  Blaine  has  a  wide  acquaintance 
and  the  Blaine  family  ranks  among  the  representative  citizens  of  the 
county. 

Richard  L.  Nash  is  a  prominent  young  man  of  Erie  where  he  is  engaged 
in  the  practice  of  law.  He  was  born  at  Crossingville,  Pa.,  April  20,  1897, 
and  is  a  son  of  Michael  H.  and  Mary   (McLaughlin)   Nash. 

Michael  H.  Nash  was  born  in  Erie  County,  in  April,  1860,  and  his 
wife  was  born  here  in  1865.  He  was  a  carpenter  by  trade  and  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  was  superintendent  of  the  Erie  Car  Works.  He  died  in  1913 
and  his  wife  died  in  1901.  They  are  buried  in  Trinity  Cemetery,  Erie. 
There  were  four  children  in  the  Nash  family:  Carlton,  born  in  1891,  lives  in 
Erie ;  Richard  L.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch ;  and  Marie  and  Eunice,  both 
of  whom  live  in  Erie. 

Richard  L.  Nash  attended  St.  Patrick's  school  and  was  graduated  from 
Erie  High  School  in  1914.     He  received  his  education  in  law  at  George- 


942  History  of  Erie  County 

town  University,  Washington,  D.  C,  and  was  admitted  to  the  District  of 
Columbia  Supreme  Court  and  Court  of  Appeals  in  1923.  After  practicing 
his  profession  in  Washington  for  a  year,  Mr.  Nash  established  his  office 
in  Erie  in  1924.     His  offices  are  in  the  Marine  Bank  building. 

During  the  World  War  Mr.  Nash  volunteered  for  service  in  the  U.  S. 
Army,  in  April,  1918,  and  was  a  member  of  the  71st  Coast  Artillery.  He 
served  in  France  from  October,  1918,  until  February,  1919,  and  was  dis- 
charged March  15,  1919.  He  now  holds  a  commission  as  second  lieutenant 
in  the  Coast  Artillery  Officers  Reserve  Corps. 

Mr.  Nash  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  church  and  belongs  to  the  Knights 
of  Columbus  and  the  American  Legion. 

Dr.  Thomas  A.  Beal,  a  prominent  and  successful  dentist  of  North 
East,  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  born  at  Clark's  Mills,  Mercer 
County,  Oct.  3,  1862,  and  is  a  son  of  George  and  Margaret  Jane  (Findley) 
Beal. 

George  Beal  was  born  near  London,  England,  and  came  to  this  coun- 
try in  1852.  He  was  a  gardener  and  after  coming  here  engaged  in  farm- 
ing on  106  acres  of  land  in  Mercer  County,  which  he  improved  from 
timber  land.  He  was  a  leading  citizen  of  his  community  and  served  as 
school  director,  road  commissioner,  and  borough  director.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Beal  are  buried  at  Clark's  Mills,  Pa.  They  were  the  parents  of  the 
following  children:  Anna  M.,  the  widow  of  John  Pears,  lives  at  Cochran- 
ton.  Pa. ;  Nettie  L,  deceased,  was  the  wife  of  R.  P.  McClure,  lives  at 
Jamestown,  Pa. ;  Russell  F.,  a  farmer,  lives  at  Hadley,  Pa.,  married  Al- 
bertina  Dean;  George  E.,  a  dentist,  married  Margaret  Deming,  lives  at 
St.  Louis,  Mo. ;  William  L.,  a  dentist,  married  Carrie  Jordon,  lives  at 
New  Castle,  Pa. ;  Morley  J.,  a  dentist,  married  Amelia  Stoltzing,  deceased, 
and  later  Jennie  Haglund,  lives  at  Jamestown,  N.  Y. ;  Mary,  deceased ; 
and  Thomas  A.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Thomas  A.  Beal  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Clark's  Mills, 
Sheakleyville  (Pa.)  High  School,  McElwain  Institute  at  New  Lebanon, 
Pa.,  and  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  win- 
ning a  gold  medal  for  proficiency  in  college  work.  He  completed  his 
dental  course  at  the  Baltimore  College  of  Dental  Surgery,  March  20, 
1890,  and  in  1898  took  a  post  graduate  course  at  the  Northwestern  Uni- 
versity Dental  College,  Chicago.  From  1890  until  1898  Dr.  Beal  prac- 
ticed his  profession  at  Fredonia,  Pa.,  and  after  his  post  graduate  work 


History  of  Erie  County  943 

located  at  Cochranton,  Pa.,  where  he  remained  until  1901,  after  which 
he  practiced  dentistry  with  his  brother  in  St.  Louis.  In  1908  he  opened 
offices  at  Oil  City,  Pa.,  and  three  years  later  went  to  Jamestown,  N.  Y., 
where  he  remained  until  1919.  He  has  since  been  located  at  North  East, 
where  he  has  a  well  established  practice  with  offices  in  the  First  National 
Bank  Building. 

In  1900  Dr.  Beal  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Eva  J.  Findley, 
born  at  Findley  Lake,  N.  Y.,  March  23,  1879,  the  daughter  of  James  D. 
and  Sarah  J.  (Hazlett)  Findley,  the  former  a  native  of  Findley  Lake,  and 
the  latter  of  Ireland.  Mr.  Findley  was  a  Civil  War  veteran  and  a  direct 
descendent  of  Alexander  Findley,  a  surgeon  in  the  Revolutionary  War. 
Alexander  Findley  settled  in  New  York  state  and  built  a  large  dam  which 
was  later  named  Findley  Lake.  He  also  established  large  flour  and  saw 
mills  there.  To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Beal  two  daughters  were  born:  Winifred 
J.,  born  in  St.  Louis,  March  22,  1906,  a  student  at  Allegheny  College; 
and  Ina  Mae,  born  at  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  March  25,  1919. 

Dr.  Beal  is  identified  with  the  Lake  Erie  Dental  Association,  the  Erie 
County  Dental  Association,  and  the  Eighth  District  Society  of  New  York, 
the  Dental  Society  of  the  State  of  New  York  and  the  American  Dental 
Association.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  belongs 
to  the  Masonic  lodge.  His  wife  is  a  member  of  the  Daughters  of  the 
American  Revolution  and  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Colonists,  Order 
of  Eastern  Star,  and  Rebecca  lodge.  Dr.  Beal  has  a  wide  acquaintance  in 
Western  Pennsylvania  and  is  a  progressive  man  and  very  popular  in  his 
profession  as  shown  by  his  recent  election  to  the  secretaryship  of  the 
Lake  Erie  Dental  Association. 

Fred  Grimshaw  is  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  North  East  where  he 
is  identified  with  the  Electric  Materials  Company.  He  was  born  here  July 
6,  1871,  and  is  the  son  of  Benjamin  and  Sarah  Ann  (Pullen)  Grimshaw. 

Benjarnin  Grimshaw  was  born  at  Leeds,  England,  in  1832,  and  his  wife 
was  born  there  in  1833.  They  were  married  in  England  in  1853  and  came 
to  this  country  six  years  later.  They  established  their  home  at  Harbor 
Creek,  Pa.,  where  he  was  employed  by  the  Cass  Woolen  Mills,  which  are 
now  extinct.  In  1861  they  removed  to  North  East  where  he  founded  the 
Cass  &  Grimshaw  Woolen  Mills.  Mr.  Grimshaw  became  a  prominent  citi- 
zen of  this  section  and  died  in  1877.  His  wife  died  in  1898  and  they  are 
buried  in  the  North  East  Cemetery.    To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Grimshaw  two  chil- 


944  History  of  Erie  County 

dren  were  born:  Jane,  born  at  Leeds,  Eng.,  married  William  Grimshaw,  and 
they  live  retired  at  North  East;  and  Fred,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

After  attending  the  district  schools,  Fred  Grimshaw  engaged  in  farm- 
ing for  four  years  and  in  1890  became  associated  with  the  Eureka  Tem- 
pered Copper  Company  of  North  East,  with  whom  he  remained  until  1915. 
In  that  year  he  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Electric  Materials 
Company  of  which  he  is  superintendent  of  foundries. 

Mr.  Grimshaw  was  married  to  Miss  Nellie  Grace,  who  was  born  at 
North  East,  May  24,  1873,  a  daughter  of  Michael  and  Helen  (Lynch) 
Grace,  natives  of  North  East,  and  both  now  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Grimshaw  have  no  children. 

Mr.  Grimshaw  is  a  Republican  and  has  served  as  a  member  of  the  city 
council  continuously  since  January,  1913.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Episco- 
pal church  and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Arold  Albert  Freeman  stands  as  a  splendid  representative  of  the  legal 
profession  in  Erie  County  and  is  among  the  most  prominent  citizens  of 
Erie.  He  was  born  on  the  old  Freeman  farm  in  Crawford  County,  Pa., 
July  4,  1850,  and  is  the  son  of  Arold  and  Mary  (Davis)  Freeman. 

Arold  Freeman  was  born  near  Metuchen,  N.  J.,  July  26,  1807,  and 
was  a  son  of  Arold  Freeman,  who  was  born  in  the  same  neighborhood  in 
1770.  His  father,  Thomas  Freeman,  was  born  in  New  Jersey  in  1748,  and 
was  the  son  of  Henry  Freeman,  Jr.,  born  in  Woodbridge,  N.  J.,  in  1717. 
The  last  named  was  of  the  first  generation  of  American  born  members 
of  the  family.  His  father,  Henry  Freeman,  Sr.,  was  born  in  England  in 
1670  and  emigi-ated  to  America  in  1683,  landing  at  Philadelphia. 

Arold  Freeman,  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  followed  the 
occupation  of  farming  throughout  his  entire  life  and  died  in  Crawford 
County,  Sept.  11,  1888.  His  wife  was  born  in  that  county  in  September, 
1810,  and  was  a  daughter  of  Isaac  Davis,  of  Welsh  descent  and  a  pioneer 
of  Crawford  County.  She  died  Jan.  10,  1877,  after  having  reared  a  family 
of  seven  children. 

Arold  Freeman,  whose  name  introduces  this  review,  remained  on  the 
old  home  farm  of  the  Freeman  family  in  Crawford  County  until  he  at- 
tained the  age  of  19  years.  Leaving  the  district  schools,  he  entered  the 
state  normal  school  at  Edinboro,  and  was  there  graduated  with  the  class 
of  1872.  He  afterward  engaged  in  teaching  school  for  a  few  terms  in 
order  to  obtain  money  with  which  to  complete  his  education  and  after 


History  of  Erie  County  945 

acquiring  his  literary  course  he  entered  the  medical  department  of  the 
Buffalo  University,  from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1876, 
winning  his  M.  D.  degree.  The  same  year  he  located  in  Erie,  where  he 
engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  for  five  years  until  his  health 
became  impaired  and  he  was  forced  to  put  aside  the  duties  of  his  chosen 
calling.  About  that  time  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  alderman  and  while 
filling  that  position  he  also  read  law  familiarizing  himself  with  the  lead- 
ing textbooks  and  commentaries  during  his  five  years'  aldermanic  term. 
In  1886  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  and  at  once  entered  upon  the  practice 
of  law,  in  which  he  has  continued  successfully  to  the  present  time.  His 
ablity  at  the  bar  is  evidenced  by  the  large  clientage  accorded  him. 

While  his  professional  duties  make  heavy  demand  upon  his  time,  Mr. 
Freeman  has  also  been  recognized  as  an  active  worker  in  the  ranks  of  the 
Democratic  party  and  in  1888  was  made  its  candidate  for  assemblyman, 
being  defeated  by  only  72  votes.  The  same  year  he  was  elected  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Erie  School  Board  and  served  for  three  years,  while  for  one 
year  he  was  president  of  the  board.  During  that  period  he  agitated  the 
subject  of  building  a  free  school  library,  earnestly  advocating  this  work 
and  is  conceded  to  be  the  originator  and  chief  promoter  of  the  project, 
a  report  of  the  secretary  of  the  board  giving  him  credit  in  this  way. 

Concerning  the  beginning  of  the  Public  School  Library  in  Erie  the  fol- 
lowing is  taken  from  the  report  of  Prof.  H.  C.  Missimer  for  the  years  of 
1897-99.  "The  final  realization  of  a  public  library  is  the  work  of  the 
Board  of  Education  of  the  City  of  Erie.  The  library  idea  was  first  pre- 
sented to  the  board  by  its  text  book  and  rules  committee,  of  which  A.  A. 
Freeman  was  a  member.  In  July,  1890,  it  recommended  that  $100  for 
the  purchase  of  books  of  reference  as  the  foundation  of  a  school  library 
and  that  all  fines  collected  by  city  aldermen  coming  to  the  school  board 
be  used  for  library  purposes.  This  motion  was  also  made  by  Mr.  Freeman 
as  a  member  of  this  committee.  In  his  inaugural  address  as  president  of 
the  board  in  June,  1891,  Mr.  Freeman  still  further  developed  his  ideas 
of  a  library,  and  in  a  letter  to  the  Evening  Herald  of  May  31,  1894,  he 
advocated  the  establishment  of  a  free  non-sectarian  public  library  under 
the  supervision  of  the  board  of  education.  He  pointed  out  the  provisions 
of  the  law  by  which  a  library  might  be  established  and  he  argued  that 
the  board  of  education  should  therefore  establish  and  maintain  such  a 
library.  The  honor  of  originating  such  a  library  for  our  city,  under  the 
control  of  the  board  of  education  clearly  belongs  to  A.  A.  Freeman."  This 
(60) 


946  History  of  Erie  County 

is  perhaps  quoting  enough  of  this  report,  enough  to  say  that  a  law  was 
drawn  by  Mr.  Freeman  and  submitted  to  a  committee  by  the  board,  of 
which  Benjamin  Whitman,  H.  C.  Missimer,  and  A.  A.  Freeman  were 
invited  members,  in  February,  1894,  and  adopted.  Largely  through  the 
efforts  of  Gen.  D.  B.  McCreary,  member  of  the  senate,  and  Col.  E.  P. 
Gould,  member  of  the  house,  the  bill  became  a  law  June  28,  1895.  The 
library  grounds  were  bought  and  building  provided  for  during  the  years 
1896  and  1897.  Such  in  brief  is  the  history  of  the  origin  of  the  public 
school  library  of  Erie." 

Mr.  Freeman  has  at  all  times  been  interested  in  matters  of  general 
improvement,  reform  and  advancement,  and  wherever  the  opportunity 
has  presented  for  a  good  work  or  for  assistance  in  any  worthy  movement 
he  has  not  been  found  wanting.  He  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of  St. 
Vincent's  Hospital,  drafted  the  plans  for  its  organization  and  for  many 
years  its  attorney.  He  is  also  attorney  for  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph, 
representing  them  in  legal  interests  since  his  admission  to  the  bar. 

The  following  is  from  a  speech  delivered  by  Mr.  Freeman  on  the  occa- 
sion of  the  celebration  of  the  50th  anniversary  of  St.  Vincent's  Hospital: 
"I  am  very  glad  to  meet  with  the  members  of  the  Corporation  at  the 
beginning  of  the  50th  year  of  the  establishment  of  the  St.  Vincent's  Hos- 
pital. The  iirst  building  was  erected  in  the  year  of  1875  on  the  south  side 
of  24th,  about  midway  between  Sassafras  Street  and  Myrtle  Street.  The 
building  was  in  size  60x90  feet  and  cost  about  $7,000.  The  hospital  was 
placed  in  charge  of  seven  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  under  the  super- 
vision of  Mother  Agnes,  assisted  by  Sister  Ambrosia,  who  afterward  be- 
came the  Mother  Superior  of  the  order,  and  Sisters  Clotilda,  Anastatia, 
Jerome,  Agatha  and  Mary.  These  seven  sisters  devoted  their  whole  time 
to  the  hospital.  There  was  no  mention  of  the  hospital  in  the  city  directory 
of  1875,  but  in  the  issue  of  1876  we  find  this  note:  'St.  Vincent's  Hospital 
— In  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph.  Open  to  all  nationalities  and 
creeds.  Dr.  J.  L.  Stewart,  Physician.'  This  announcement  continued  to 
1889,  Doctor  Stewart  being  mentioned  in  each  directory  down  to  1889 
and  he  continued  in  charge  until  his  death  in  1890.  I  was  called  many 
times  to  assist  Doctor  Stewart  from  1876  until  1881  and  I  have  no  recol- 
lection of  meeting  any  other  physician  at  the  hospital  during  that  time. 
After  the  death  of  Doctor  Stewart,  Dr.  C.  W.  Stranahan  was  at  the  head 
of  the  physicians  in  charge,  assisted  by  other  members  of  the  profession. 
A  few  years  prior  to  the  establishment  of  the  hospital.  Mother  Agnes 


History  of  Erie  County  947 

Spencer  came  to  Erie  and  organized  a  small  band  of  women  pledged  to 
Chastity  and  Poverty  into  the  Order  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  objects 
of  this  organization  being  'the  relief  and  support  of  the  sick,  destitute  and 
disabled  persons,  the  maintenance  of  orphans,  the  care  and  education  of 
youth  and  other  works  of  charity.'  For  many  years  St.  Vincent's  was 
the  only  hospital  in  the  City  of  Erie.  Sole  credit  must  be  given  to  this 
small  band  of  women,  who  without  money,  maintained  and  developed  this 
hospital  by  their  work  and  prayers,  aided  by  such  voluntary  contributions 
as  they  might  receive  from  the  community.  In  order  that  they  might  be 
better  able  to  carry  on  their  work  in  the  City  of  Erie  a  charter  was 
granted  by  the  Erie  County  Court,  May  2,  1882,  to  the  Sisters  of  St. 
Joseph  by  the  corporate  name  of  "Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  of  Northwestern 
Pennsylvania."  But  the  time  came  when  this  institution  could  no  longer 
be  supported  by  voluntary  contributions  and  the  work  of  the  devoted  Sis- 
ters and  the  medical  profession.  On  Dec.  14,  1894,  a  charter  was  granted 
to  the  St.  Vincent's  Hospital  Association,  to  establish  and  maintain  in 
the  City  of  Erie  a  hospital  in  which  medical  and  surgical  attention  and 
nursing  may  be  given  to  all  who  may  need  and  desire  it  without  regard 
or  distinction  of  race,  color  or  religion,  and  under  that  charter  St.  Vin- 
cent's Hospital  has  been  conducted  and  maintained,  and  the  history  of 
which  can  be  better  given  by  those  who  have  been  in  closer  touch  than  I 
have.  But  never  let  it  be  forgotten  that  this  work  and  success  was 
made  possible  by  that  little  band  of  devoted  women,  led  by  Mother  Agnes, 
followed  by  Mother  Ambrosia  Powers  and  turned  over  to  this  association. 
At  the  time  Mother  Ambrosia  Powers  was  appointed  superintendent  of 
the  hospital  a  medical  staiT  was  appointed  consisting  of  Dr.  C.  W.  Strana- 
han,  chief  of  staff,  assistants.  Dr.  Wallace  Hunter  and  Dr.  H.  H.  Por- 
ringer, specialist,  Dr.  J.  H.  Delaney.  You  will  pardon  me  if  I  add  here 
that  owing  to  the  well  known  principle  universally  adhered  to  in  the 
medical  profession,  that  no  patient  that  came  to  this  hospital  ever  lacked 
for  the  best  of  professional  care  and  treatment,  regardless  of  their  abil- 
ity to  pay." 

Mr.  Freeman  was  married  to  Miss  Josephine  Finn,  who  was  born  in 
Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.,  but  was  reared  in  Erie  County,  a  daughter 
of  Nehemiah  L.  and  Lucina  (Weaver)  Finn.  She  is  a  descendant  in  the 
fourth  generation  of  William  Finn,  who  came  as  a  stowaway  from  Ire- 
land and  when  the  vessel  reached  Castle  Garden  was  sold  for  his  pas- 
sage to  a  Doctor  Carpenter,  of  Long  Island.     He  afterward  married  the 


948  History  of  Erie  County 

doctor's  daughtei-,  Helen.  Their  son,  Anthony  Finn,  removed  to  Orange 
County,  N.  Y.,  while  Nehemiah  Finn,  the  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Freeman, 
located  in  Greenfield  Township,  Erie  County,  and  was  one  of  the  first  to 
make  and  ship  butter  from  this  town  to  New  York  City,  shipping  by 
lake  to  Buffalo  and  thence  to  the  Erie  Canal  to  the  Hudson  and  on  to  the 
metropolis.  His  son,  Nehemiah  Finn,  Jr.,  became  a  well  known  and  repre- 
sentative farmer  of  North  East  Township.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Freeman 
were  born  the  following  children:  Arold  R.,  born  March  3,  1878,  mar- 
ried Alice  Blickinderfer,  of  Lancaster,  Pa.,  and  they  have  a  daughter, 
Elinor  Jane,  born  Oct.  2,  1907;  and  WilHam  Arold,  born  March  31,  1915, 
in  the  Isle  of  Pines;  Robert  T.,  born  Jan.  19,  1881,  has  two  children,  Al- 
bert S.,  born  Aug.  5,  1916,  and  Robert  L.,  born  July  14,  1918;  Hortense, 
born  Dec.  20,  1883;  and  Gladys,  born  July  19,  1889,  married  C.  Harrison 
Lund,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  in  this  history.  Mrs.  Freeman  died 
March  2,  1921. 

J.  A.  Spooner.  Among  the  more  prominent  and  influential  citizens  of 
North  East  is  J.  A.  Spooner,  assistant  vice  president  of  the  First  National 
Bank.  He  was  born  at  North  East,  June  13,  1879,  and  is  the  son  of  B. 
Cortland  and  Alice  (Southard)  Spooner. 

B.  Cortland  Spooner,  deceased,  was  born  in  North  East  Township,  Erie 
County,  Sept.  10,  1851,  the  son  of  Benjamin  T.  and  Marana  K.  (Nichols) 
Spooner,  who  were  natives  of  the  north  of  England.  The  family  settled 
in  North  East  Township  in  1849  and  in  1872  removed  to  North  East.  B. 
Cortland  Spooner  attended  Oberlin  College  and  from  1870  until  1874  en- 
gaged in  the  insurance  business  in  Erie,  after  which  he  camie  to  North 
East  and  accepted  a  position  in  the  private  bank  of  Blaine,  Gould  &  Short. 
He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  North  East 
in  1893  and  served  as  cashier  for  many  years  and  was  vice  president  at 
the  time  of  his  death.  He  died  in  1922  and  is  buried  in  North  East  Ceme- 
tery. She  is  a  daughter  of  Allen  and  Jane  (Hughes)  Southard.  He  was 
a  captain  on  the  Great  Lakes.  They  had  12  children,  four  of  whom  sur- 
vice  as  follows:  Mrs.  Alice  Spooner,  North  East;  Geo.  E.  Southard,  Lake- 
land, Fla. ;  Margaret  Barline,  Wilmington,  Del. ;  and  Julia  S.  Moore,  Seattle, 
Wash.  J.  A.  Spooner,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  the  only  child  born 
to  his  parents. 

After  completing  his  schooling  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of  North 
East,  J.  A.  Spooner  became  interested  in  the  banking  business  and  has 


History  of  Erie  County  949 

been  identified  with  the  First  National  Bank  since  1902.  In  January,  1925, 
he  was  elected  to  his  present  position. 

In  1909  Mr.  Spooner  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mabel  K.  Hurst, 
born  at  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  10,  1882.  They  have  a  son,  Cortland  S. 
Spooner,  born  Sept.  27,  1910. 

Politically  Mr.  Spooner  is  a  Republican.  He  is  an  active  member  and 
treasurer  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  belongs  to  the  North  East  Club, 
the  North  East  Golf  Club  and  the  Elks  lodge. 

Will  J.  Towne  is  an  enterprising  and  successful  business  man  of  North 
East  and  a  member  of  one  of  the  best  known  families  in  the  history  of 
Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Wattsburg,  Pa.,  Aug.  3,  1865,  and  is  the 
son  of  Benjamin  Franklin  and  Elizabeth  S.  (Pratt)  Towne. 

Benjamin  Franklin  Towne,  deceased,  was  one  of  the  early  agricul- 
turists of  Erie  County,  and  is  numbered  among  its  honored  pioneers  and 
business  men.  He  was  born  at  Granville,  N.  Y.,  May  11,  1822,  the  son  of 
Bester  and  Betsey  (Martin)  Towne,  both  also  from  the  town  of  Gran- 
ville. Benjamin  F.  Towne  settled  at  North  East  with  his  parents  in  1829, 
and  the  early  years  of  his  life  were  spent  assisting  his  father  clear  and 
improve  his  farm.  After  his  marriage  he  left  his  parents'  home  and  be- 
came the  proprietor  of  a  mercantile  business  at  Wattsburg,  Pa.,  but  in 
1870  returned  to  his  father's  farm  on  the  state  road.  He  died 
there  Oct.  22,  1893,  and  his  wife  died  in  1910.  They  had  the  following 
children:  Joseph  I.,  deceased;  Bess  May,  deceased;  Charles  F.,  born  in 
1849,  died  in  1907;  Marietta,  born  in  1847,  died  March  21,  1921;  Jessie 
M.,  the  widow  of  Capt.  D.  S.  McDonald,  of  North  East;  and  Will  J.,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

After  attending  the  public  schools  of  North  East  and  Bryant  &  Strat- 
ton  College,  Buffalo,  Will  J.  Towne  became  identified  with  the  Downing 
Carriage  Comlpany  at  Erie,  and  in  1891  went  to  Chicago,  where  he  served 
as  cashier  of  the  Chicago  Fruit  Auction  Company.  In  1895  he  returned 
to  North  East  and  became  associated  with  the  North  East  Cider  Works 
as  secretary  and  treasurer.  He  has  since  been  affiliated  with  this  com- 
pany. 

In  1907  Mr.  Towne  was  married  to  Miss  Zola  E.  Bigelow  of  North  East. 
They  have  a  daughter,  Jane  Elizabeth,  born  Dec.  24,  1914. 

In  politics  Mr.  Towne  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  and  he 
has  served  as  school  director  for  five  years.     He  is  a  member  of  the  Pres- 


950  History  of  Erie  County 

byterian  church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge,  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows,  Lions  Club  and  the  North  East  Club.  Mrs.  Towne  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Eastern  Star,  and  is  Past  Worthy  Matron.  She  also  belongs 
to  the  North  East  Philomathean  Literary  Society,  the  Young  Matron's 
Social  Club  and  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  of  the  American  Legion.  Both  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Towne  have  a  wide  acquaintance  in  Erie  County. 

Dale  Hutchinson  is  among  the  successful  and  representative  young 
business  men  of  North  East.  He  was  born  in  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  Feb. 
5,  1892,  and  is  the  son  of  Dwight  D.  and  Lydia  (Beirwoth)   Hutchinson. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dwight  D.  Hutchinson  are  natives  of  Crawford  County, 
Pa.,  and  now  live  there  retired.  He  was  a  farmer  during  his  active  career 
and  served  as  school  director  and  road  supervisor.  He  is  a  Democrat.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hutchinson  12  children  were  born,  as  follows:  Mark,  a  farmer, 
lives  at  Cambridge  Springs,  Pa. ;  Irene,  married  Paul  Bulow,  lives  at  Cam- 
bridge Springs,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business;  Don  P., 
lives  at  home;  Ralph  W.,  lives  at  North  East;  Vern  D.,  a  merchant,  lives 
at  Harbor  Creek,  Pa. ;  Delia,  married  Walter  Leiphart,  a  building  contrac- 
tor, lives  at  Dearborn,  Mich.;  Maud,  married  Addison  Steinhoff,  a  me- 
chanic, lives  at  Wesleyville,  Pa.;  Lloyd,  lives  at  North  East;  Ward,  lives 
at  North  East ;  Ardis,  a  student ;  Flora  lives  at  Wesleyville,  Pa. ;  and  Dale, 
the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Dale  Hutchinson  attended  the  public  schools  and  when  a  boy  worked 
on  his  father's  farm  in  Crawford  County.  In  1913  he  was  employed  by 
the  Shreve  Chair  Company  of  Union  City  and  the  following  year  entered 
the  offices  of  the  B.  &  L.  E.  Traction  Company  as  ticket  agent  at  Erie, 
where  he  remained  until  1917.  He  was  then  connected  with  the  Stowe 
Lumber  Company  of  Harbor  Creek,  Pa.,  and  iri  1918  went  to  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  where  he  took  a  complete  course  at  the  Clouse  Vulcanizing'  School. 
The  following  year  Mr.  Hutchinson  established  his  present  business  at 
North  East,  which  is  known  as  the  Dale  Hutchinson  Company.  He  car- 
ries a  complete  line  of  automobile  accessories,  tires  and  replacement  parts 
and  has  a  well  established  business. 

On  Dec.  26,  1918,  Mr.  Hutchinson  was  married  to  Miss  Bertha  C.  Miller, 
who  was  born  at  Mooreheadville,  Pa.,  Jan.  10,  1891.  They  have  a  daughter, 
Bertha  Mildred,  born  Oct.  22,  1919. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hutchinson  are  members  of  the  English  Lutheran 
Church.     He  is  a  Republican. 


History  of  Erie  County  951 

Walter  S.  Wheeler.  The  Wheeler  family  has  long  been  a  potent  fac- 
tor in  the  development  of  the  horticultural  and  live  stock  interests  of 
Erie  County.  Mr.  Wheeler  is  one  of  the  largest  breeders  and  handlers 
of  fine  beef  cattle  in  this  locality.  He  is  a  native  of  LeBoeuf,  Erie  County, 
born  March  13,  1858,  the  son  of  Charles  M.  and  Sarah  Jane  (Clark) 
Wheeler. 

Charles  M.  Wheeler  was  born  near  New  Ipswich,  N.  H.,  in  1826  and 
died  April  26,  1904,  and  his  wife  was  born  at  Townsend  Center,  Mass., 
July  9,  1835,  and  is  living  at  LeBoeuf,  Pa.  Mr.  Wheeler  removed  to 
Erie  County  about  1853,  in  that  year  buying  land  in  the  township  named 
and  devoting  it  to  farming  and  live  stock  purposes  'for  the  balance  of 
his  life.  At  the  time  of  his. death  he  was  a  large  land  owner,  being 
proprietor  of  an  extensive  tract  of  wheat  land  in  Marshall  County,  Minn., 
as  well  as  the  owner  of  his  large  and  productive  farm  in  Erie  County. 
He  had  prospered  in  worldly  possession  and  had  also  earned  an  honor- 
able reputation  as  a  man  in  public  life,  having  been  a  member  of  the 
Pennsylvania  legislature  for  two  terms.     He  was  a  32nd  degree  Mason. 

Walter  S.  Wheeler  was  the  second  of  six  sons  and  was  educated  at 
the  Edinboro  Normal  School  and  Waterford  Academy,  graduating  from 
the  latter  institution  in  1878.  He  lived  with  his  parents  and  assisted 
his  father  until  he  was  21  years  of  age,  when  he  was  placed  in  control 
of  the  home  farm  and  continued  to  conduct  it  from  1878  until  1893. 
He  then  purchased  150  acres  of  land  two  miles  east  of  North  East,  12 
acres  of  this  tract  being  at  the  time  cultivated  in  grapes.  Since  that 
time  he  has  successfully  developed  80  acres  of  different  varieties  of  grapes, 
as  well  as  fine  orchards  of  apples  and  peaches.  The  balance  of  his  estate 
is  devoted  to  the  raising  of  live  stock,  and  he  has  christened  his  place, 
"The  Walter  S.  Wheeler  Stock  and  Fruit  Farm."  There  are  three  gas 
wells  on  the  farm  and  the  residence  is  among  the  most  modern  in  the 
township. 

During  the  years  1886-87-88,  Mr.  Wheeler  went  on  numerous  hunting 
expeditions  in  Texas  and  No  Man's  Land,  which  is  now  a  part  of  Okla- 
homa. He  has  some  very  beautiful  specimens  of  buffalo  heads,  and  two 
mounted  antelopes,  which  are  kept  in  a  cherry  cabinet  especially  built 
for  this  purpose. 

Mr.  Wheeler  served  as  a  member  of  the  17th  Regiment,  Pennsylvania 
National  Guard  for  five  years,  and  was  in  service  during  the  Centennial 
celebration   in   Philadelphia  in   1876,   the   Pittsburgh   riots   in   1877,   the 


952  History  of  Erie  County 

Pittsburgh  railroad  strike  and  the  coal  mine  strikes  at  Scranton  and 
Kingston,  Pa. 

On  March  25,  1896,  Mr.  Wheeler  married  Miss  Cora  Annette  Burton, 
a  native  of  Portland,  N.  Y.,  born  Aug.  21,  1865.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wheeler 
have  a  daughter,  Ruth  Annette,  born  Jan.  10,  1897. 

Mr.  Wheeler  is  a  member  of  the  Keystone  Grape  Cooperative  Asso- 
ciation and  a  director  of  the  National  Bank  of  North  East.  He  is  a  32nd 
degree  Mason  and  reached  this  degree  before  his  father  did  and  was 
present  at  the  ceremony  at  Pittsburgh  vi^hen  his  father  received  this 
degree. 

Arthur  J.  Kohler,  agent  for  the  Haynes  and  Oakland  automobiles, 
is  among  Erie's  reliable  and  excellent  business  men.  He  is  a  native  of 
this  city,  born  Oct.  22,  1882,  and  the  son  of  Anton  and  Helen  (Duttlinger) 
Kohler. 

Anton  Kohler  was  a  celebrated  musician  of  his  time.  He  was  born  in 
Austria  and  came  to  America  in  1875,  and  settled  in  Erie,  where  he  con- 
ducted a  studio  of  music.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Erie  Symphony  Orches- 
tra and  died  May  7,  1922.  His  wife  resides  in  Erie.  They  had  two  sons : 
Franz,  an  internationally  known  musician,  organizer,  director  and  soloist 
of  the  Erie  Symphony  Orchestra  and  concert  master  of  the  Pittsburgh 
Symphony  Orchestra  for  14  years,  died  Dec.  22,  1918 ;  and  Arthur  J.,  ths 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

Arthur  J.  Kohler  attended  the  public  schools  of  Erie,  Erie  Academy, 
and  Erie  Business  College.  He  served  as  secretary  to  the  manager  of 
the  Wayne  Brewing  Company  from  1902  until  1910,  was  associated  with 
the  Herald  Lithographing  Company  from  1910  until  1911,  and  from  1911 
until  1918  served  as  manager  of  the  F.  P.  Fieger  Company,  wholesale 
beverages.  In  1918  he  became  local  dealer  for  the  Haynes  and  Oakland 
automobiles  and  has  a  well  established  business  at  101-109  East  12th 
Street. 

On  Oct.  23,  1905,  Mr.  Kohler  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Sarah 
W.  Bums,  of  Erie,  and  they  have  four  children:  Richard,  born  March 
31,  1907;  Arthur  J.,  Jr.,  born  Oct.  22,  1908;  Franz,  born  July  9,  1910;  and 
Louis,  born  Dec.  3,  1911. 

Mr.  Kohler  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church,  and 
belongs  to  the  Elks  Lodge,  the  Eagles,  the  Optimist  Club  of  which  he  is 
vice  president.  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Erie  Motor  Club  of  which  he  served 


ARTHUR  J.  KOHLER 


History  of  Erie  County  953 

as  governor  during  the  years  1923-24-25,  and  the  Automobile  Association 
of  which  he  was  president  for  three  years.  He  is  identified  with  the 
Used  Car  Exchange,  the  Pennsylvania  State  Association  and  the  Penn- 
sylvania Automotive  Association. 

James  R.  Hill,  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Hill  &  Hill,  civil  engineers, 
is  among  the  representative  young  business  men  of  Erie.  He  was  born 
at  North  East,  Feb.  27,  1896,  and  is  the  son  of  Clyde  C.  and  Cora  E. 
(Case)  Hill. 

Clyde  C.  Hill,  county  engineer,  was  born  at  Clymer,  Chautauqua 
County,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  16,  1865,  and  is  the  son  of  James  and  Aurelia  S. 
(Green)  Hill.  He  was  reared  and  educated  at  Clymer,  N.  Y.,  and  is  a 
graduate  of  Fredonia  Normal  School.  In  1885  he  was  appointed  principal 
of  Ellington  (N.  Y.)  Academy  and  in  1891  was  appointed  school  commis- 
sioner of  the  first  Chautauqua  district,  in  which  capacity  he  served  until 
1897.  He  has  engaged  in  his  present  profession  as  civil  engineer  since 
1895  and  was  elected  county  engineer  of  Erie  County  in  1919. 

On  Dec.  24,  1890,  Mr.  Hill  was  married  to  Miss  Cora  E.  Case  of  Great 
Harrington,  Mass.,  and  a  daughter  of  Theodora  A.  and  Lucy  (Bagg) 
Case,  natives  of  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Case  died  Oct.  23,  1923, 
and  his  wife  resides  on  the  old  homestead  at  Ellington,  N.  Y.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Hill  three  children  were  born:  Theodore  C,  lives  at  North 
East,  Pa.;  James  R.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Lucy  A.,  lives  at 
Dundalk,  Md. 

James  R.  Hill  spent  his  boyhood  at  North  East  and  was  graduated 
from  high  school  in  1913.  After  spending  a  year  at  Allegheny  College 
he  entered  the  University  of  Michigan,  where  he  received  his  degree  as 
Bachelor  of  Science  in  Engineering.  He  has  since  been  a  member  of  the 
firm  of  Hill  &  Hill,  with  offices  in  the  Marine  Bank  Building. 

In  1919  Mr.  Hill  was  married  to  Miss  Lavina  N.  Oldach,  of  North 
East,  born  June  2,  1896,  and  the  daughter  of  John  B.  and  Hannah  (Leem- 
huis)  Oldach.  Mr.  Oldach,  a  former  merchant  of  North  East,  is  now 
deceased.  His  widow  lives  at  the  old  home  there.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hill 
have  two  sons:  James  Russell,  Jr.,  born  March  27,  1920;  and  Richard 
Clyde,  born  March  13,  1924. 

Mr.  Hill  is  identified  with  the  Lutheran  Memorial  Church,  a  32nd 
degree  Mason,  and  belongs  to  the  Sigma  Alpha  Epsilon,  Lambda  Chi 
Alpha  and  Tau  Beta  Pi  fraternities.  He  and  his  wife  have  a  wide  circle 
of  friends  in  Erie  and  are  favorably  known. 


954  History  of  Erie  County 

Frank  H.  Keller  ranks  among  the  leading  citizens  and  successful  busi- 
ness men  of  Erie  County.  He  is  proprietor  of  the  Keller  Motion  Picture 
Theatre  at  North  East.  Mr.  Keller  is  a  native  of  Erie,  born  April  4,  1876, 
and  the  son  of  Edward  and  Christina  (Wiendorf)  Keller. 

Edward  Keller  was  born  in  Germany,  Sept.  14,  1845,  and  his  wife  was 
born  at  Black  Rock,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  11,  1845.  He  came  to  this  country  with 
his  parents  when  a  small  child.  He  was  a  brother  of  the  famous  magician, 
Harry  Kellar,  and  traveled  throughout  the  world  on  various  tours  with 
him.  Mr.  Keller  died  April  1,  1920,  and  his  wife  died  April  11,  1895. 
They  are  buried  in  Lakeside  cemetery,  Erie.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Keller 
the  following  children  were  born:  Mary,  born  Aug.  14,  1868,  married  M. 
V.  Buck,  of  London,  Ont.,  and  they  live  retired  in  Los  Angeles,  Cal. ; 
F.  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch ;  E.  A.,  born  July  2,  1878,  married  Mamie 
Keough  of  Boston,  Mass.,  deceased,  and  he  lives  in  Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  and 
has  two  children,  Helen  and  Clara  Keller;  and  Clara  Catherine,  born  April 
2,  1872,  died  Nov.  11,  1911,  was  the  wife  of  Dr.  John  W.  Wright  of  Erie, 
and  the  mother  of  Elizabeth  Keller  Wright,  a  student  at  Simmons  Col- 
lege, Boston. 

F.  H.  Keller  was  reared  and  educated  in  Erie  and  when  a  young  man 
learned  the  printer's  trade  at  which  he  was  successfully  engaged  for  21 
years.  He  was  the  organizer  of  the  "AKD"  Company,  which  is  the 
largest  printing  establishment  in  Erie,  and  which  Mr.  Keller  disposed  of 
in  1924.  On  Feb.  14,  1922,  he  purchased  the  Chickquitty  Theatre  at 
North  East,  which  is  now  known  as  the  Keller  Theatre. 

In  1900  Mr.  Keller  was  married  to  Miss  Margaret  E.  White,  a  native 
of  Ireland,  born  Feb.  14,  1876.  They  have  a  daughter,  Katherine  M., 
born  May  3,  1901.  She  was  married  in  1922  to  James  K.  Blakely  of  Erie, 
and  they  have  a  son,  Harry  Kellar  Blakely,  born  July  11,  1924. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Keller  are  well  known  in  Erie  County.  She  is  a  mem- 
ber of  St.  Peter's  Catholic  Church,  Erie. 

Ward  E.  Hutchinson  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  North  East.  He 
was  born  at  Cambridge  Springs,  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  June  6,  1897,  and 
is  a  son  of  Dwight  D.  and  Lydia  (Beirworth)   Hutchinson. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dwight  D.  Hutchinson  are  natives  of  Crawford  County, 
Pa.,  where  they  now  reside.  He  was  a  farmer  during  his  active  career 
and  served  as  school  director  and  road  supervisor.  He  is  a  Democrat. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hutchinson  12  children  were  born  as  follows:  Mark,  a 


History  of  Erie  County  955 

farmer,  lives  at  Cambridge  Springs,  Pa. ;  Irene,  married  Paul  Bulow, 
lives  at  Cambridge  Springs,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  real  estate  busi- 
ness; Don  P.,  lives  at  home;  Ralph  W.,  lives  at  North  East;  Vern  D.,  a 
merchant,  lives  at  Harbor  Creek,  Pa. ;  Delia,  married  Walter  Leiphart,  a 
building  contractor,  lives  at  Dearborn,  Mich. ;  Maud,  married  Addison 
Steinhoff ,  a  merchant,  lives  at  Wesleyville,  Pa. ;  Lloyd,  lives  at  North 
East;  W.  E.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Ardis,  a  student;  Flora,  lives 
at  Wesleyville,  Pa. ;  and  Dale,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  elsewhere  in 
this  history. 

W.  E.  Hutchinson  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of 
Cambridge  Springs  and  remained  on  the  home  farm  until  1916,  when 
he  became  associated  with  the  General  Electric  Company  at  Erie.  Later 
he  went  to  Detroit,  Mich.,  where  he  was  employed  by  the  Otis  Elevator 
Company.  In  1921  he  established  the  Hutchinson  Electric  Service  Com- 
pany at  Erie.  Besides  his  battery  service  he  is  a  dealer  in  radios  and 
supplies. 

On  May  20,  1922,  Mr.  Hutchinson  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Freida  Margaret  Grossholz,  of  Fairview,  Pa.,  born  Feb.  25,  1897,  and 
the  daughter  of  Adolph  and  Mary  Grossholz,  natives  of  Germany  and 
early  settlers  of  Erie  County.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Grossholz  the  following 
children  were  born:  Fred  R.,  a  grocer  at  Fairview,  Pa.;  Adolph  L.,  a 
merchant  at  Evans  City,  Pa. ;  Elizabeth,  married  Henry  Pf eil,  who  is 
connected  with  the  Griswold  Manufacturing  Company,  Erie;  May,  de- 
ceased ;  Bertha,  married  John  Carries,  lives  at  Fairview,  Pa. ;  Minnie, 
married  Bert  Cobb,  lives  at  Harbor  Creek,  Pa. ;  and  Mrs.  Hutchinson. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hutchinson  two  sons  have  been  born:  Ward  A.,  Jr.,  born 
April  29,  1923 ;  and  Charles  R.,  born  Jan.  1,  1925. 

Mr.  Hutchinson  is  affiliated  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows and  the  Knights  of  Malta.  He  is  an  enterprising  young  business 
man  of  Erie  County,  whose  success  in  life  is  practically  assured. 

E.  M.  Sweet,  a  well  known  and  substantial  citizen  of  Erie  County,  who 
resides  at  Greenfield,  was  born  at  Panama,  N.  Y.,  July  5,  1885,  and  is  the 
son  of  Elon  A.  and  Elnora  (Sturges)  Sweet. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Elon  A.  Sweet,  who  reside  at  Greenfield,  are  natives 
of  Panama,  N.  Y.  He  was  born  Jan.  15,  1850,  and  she  was  born  Aug. 
20,  1863.  For  a  few  years  he  owned  and  operated  a  saw  mill  at  Bear 
Lake,  Pa.,  and  also  a  hotel  at  Panama.     He  is  at  present  engaged   in 


956  History  of  Erie  County 

general  farming.  There  are  five  children  in  the  Sweet  family:  C.  F., 
born  April  19,  1880,  lives  at  608  East  21st  Street,  Erie;  W.  B.,  born  July 
21,  1882,  a  merchant  at  Adamston,  W.  Va.;  E.  M.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch;  Mildred,  boni  July  7,  1887,  married  Charles  Henderson,  lives  at 
Greenfield,  Pa. ;  and  Elmyra,  born  June  7,  1901,  married  Homer  Holmes, 
lives  at  Greenfield. 

When  he  had  completed  his  schooling,  E.  M.  Sweet  became  interested 
in  the  saw  mill  business  and  in  1908  entered  the  employ  of  the  Erie 
County  Milk  Association,  with  whom  he  has  since  been  identified.  In 
1920  he  was  appointed  superintendent  of  the  plant  at  Greenfield  and  is 
now  serving  in  that  capacity.  He  has  also  conducted  a  saw  mill  here 
and  in  1924  established  a  garage  and  blacksmith  business.  In  1925  he 
erected  a  large  store  building  in  Greenfield  and  has  a  general  store  there. 
Mr.  Sweet  is  agent  for  the  Ford  automobiles  and  Fordson  tractor.  Be- 
sides his  business  interests  he  is  interested  in  agriculture  and  owns  441/2 
acres  of  land  in  Greenfield  Township. 

In  1905  Mr.  Sweet  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Edna  May 
Wright,  born  at  North  East,  June  28,  1887,  and  the  daughter  of  R.  B.  and 
Emma  A.  (Chrispen)  Wright,  natives  and  residents  of  North  East.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sweet  have  been  born  three  children:  Howard,  born  June 
16,  1906,  connected  with  the  Erie  County  Milk  Association;  Clifford,  born 
May  4,  1908 ;  and  Gerald,  born  June  13,  1910. 

Mr.  Sweet  is  affiliated  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows 
and  the  Loyal  Order  of  Moose. 

Harley  W.  Farver  is  a  successful  fruit  farmer  of  North  East  and  a 
member  of  a  family  that  has  long  been  identified  with  the  history  of 
Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  West  Mill  Creek,  Pa.,  Dec.  20,  1868,  and 
is  the  son  of  John  D.  and  Lyda  M.  (Buseck)  Farver. 

John  B.  Farver,  retired,  is  a  Civil  War  veteran  and  for  many  years 
has  ranked  among  the  successful  farmers  of  this  section.  He  was  born 
in  Erie,  Feb.  25,  1843,  the  son  of  John  and  Catherine  (Butt)  Farver. 
John  Farver  was  born  at  York,  Pa.,  in  1813.  He  was  a  cooper  by  trade 
but  in  later  life  engaged  in  general  farming  on  the  old  Butt  farm  in  Erie 
County.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Farver  were  the  parents  of  the  following 
children:  Dan,  deceased,  was  a  Civil  War  veteran,  having  served  with 
the  145th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry  and  was  wounded  at  Fred- 
ericksburg; Susanna,  married  Gilson  Stone  of  North  East,  both  deceased; 
Sarah  E.,  married  Conrad  Ort  of  West  Mill  Creek,  both  deceased;  Mary, 


History  of  Erie  County  957 

the  widow  of  Thomas  McKee,  lives  at  West  Mill  Creek;  Edward,  de- 
ceased; and  John  B.  Farver,  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

On  Feb.  25,  1868,  John  B.  Farver  was  married  to  Miss  Lydia  M.  Bu- 
seck,  born  at  Erie,  April  13,  1845,  and  the  daughter  of  Clemens  E.  and 
Catherine  (Zimmerman)  Buseck,  natives  of  Germany  and  Pennsylvania 
respectively.  They  were  married  in  1840  and  were  the  parents  of  the 
following  children:  John  C,  born  in  1842,  died  in  1919;  Mrs.  Farver; 
Edward  E.,  born  in  1851,  died  in  1921 ;  Clemens,  born  in  1859,  lives  at 
Fairview,  Pa. ;  Clarence  W.,  twin  brother  of  Clemens,  died  in  1871 ;  George 
C,  born  in  1862,  lives  retired  in  Erie;  and  Cassie,  the  widow  of  John 
Sparling,  358  West  7th  Street,  Erie.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Farver,  who  cele- 
brated their  golden  wedding  anniversary  in  1918,  seven  children  were 
born,  as  follows:  (1)  Harley  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  (2)  S.  lona, 
born  March  2,  1876,  married  May  1,  1902,  to  Edward  M.  Epp,  furniture 
dealer  of  Erie,  and  they  have  two  children:  Herbert  Verne  Epp,  born 
Nov.  25,  1903,  a  student  at  the  University  of  West  Virginia;  and  Bert  E., 
born  May  2,  1910,  a  student  at  Roosevelt  Jr.,  High  School,  Erie;  (3) 
John,  born  Oct.  29,  1879,  connected  with  the  Continental  Rubber  Com- 
pany, Erie,  rr^arried  in  1905,  to  Sadie  Butt,  of  Erie,  and  they  have  four 
children:  Alice  Marie,  born  March  4,  1906;  Norman,  born  Jan.  28,  1910; 
Marion  L.,  born  June  17,  1919;  and  Elwood  Butt,  born  Nov.  26,  1923, 
died  in  June,  1924;  (4)  Katie  A.,  born  June  14,  1871,  died  April  17,  1875, 
buried  in  Erie  cemetery;  (5)  Estella,  born  Oct.  4,  1883,  married  June  11, 
1921,  to  George  T.  Burger  of  Erie,  and  they  reside  with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Farver;  (6)  Bert  B.,  born  Aug.  14,  1885,  lives  at  Fairview,  Pa.,  married 
in  June,  1912,  to  Edith  Pickett  of  Erie  and  they  have  three*  children: 
Clemens  B.,  born  March  21,  1913 ;  L.  lone,  born  June  24,  1914 ;  and  John 
Burton,  born  Oct.  9,  1923;  (7)  Roy  E.,  born  April  7,  1889,  lives  in  Erie, 
married  May  29,  1910,  to  Edith  Miller  of  West  Mill  Creek,  born  July  8, 
1888,  and  she  died  July  4,  1911,  leaving  a  daughter  Evelyn  L.,  born  May 
2,  1911,  a  student  at  Roosevelt  Junior  High  School. 

Harley  W.  Farver  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  West  Mill 
Creek  and  in  1886  was  graduated  from  Erie  High  School,  and  three  years 
later  from  Clark's  Business  College.  He  immediately  engaged  in  farming 
on  his  father's  land  and  in  1895  came  to  North  East.  His  home  is  located 
on  the  Buffalo  Road. 

In  March,  1895,  Mr.  Farver  was  miarried  to  Miss  Emma  B.  Parker, 
born  at  North  East,  Oct.  18,  1873,  and  a  daughter  of  Z.  and  Nancy  Jane 
(Caldwell)   Parker.     Mr.  Parker  was  born  at  Davison,  Mich.,  in  1838, 


958  History  of  Erie  County 

and  his  wife  was  born  at  North  East  in  1842.  He  was  a  leading  grape 
grower  of  Erie  County  and  a  Civil  War  veteran.  He  died  Feb.  22,  1915, 
and  his  wife  died  July  23,  1913.  Mrs.  Farver  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools  of  North  East  and  attended  Edinboro  State  Normal  School.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Farver  have  been  born  four  children:  H.  Parker,  born  Dec. 
24,  1899,  married  in  June,  1923,  to  Anna  Adler,  and  they  have  two  chil- 
dren, Betty  Jane  and  Harley  Parker;  Ruth  Mary,  born  Dec.  20,  1901, 
married  in  November,  1928,  to  Haskell  Miller,  and  they  have  a  son, 
Elwood  Miller;  Helen  Jane,  born  March  25,  1914;  and  Richard  C,  born 
Aug.  6,  1917. 

Mr.  Farver  is  identified  with  the  Masonic  lodge,  the  Independent  Or- 
der of  Odd  Fellows,  and  the  North  East  Club.  He  and  his  family  are 
highly  esteemed  in  their  community. 

Ralph  Bemus  McCord,  postmaster  of  North  East,  is  a  veteran  of  the 
World  War  and  one  of  Erie  County's  prominent  young  men.  He  was 
born  at  North  East,  May  30,  1890,  and  is  the  son  of  William  F.  and  Flor- 
ence  (Bemus)  McCord. 

William  F.  McCord,  deceased,  was  a  successful  farmer  of  North  East 
Township  for  many  years,  operating  a  large  fruit  farm  on  the  lake  shore. 
He  was  a  native  of  North  East,  his  ancestors  being  among  the  first  set- 
tlers in  this  region.  His  wife  was  a  native  of  New  York  State,  coming 
from  the  vicinity  of  what  is  now  known  as  Bemus  Point  on  Lake  Chau- 
tauqua. Mr.  McCord  was  a  Republican  and  a  member  of  the  North  East 
Presbyterian  Church.  He  died  in  1918  and  Mrs.  McCord  died  in  the  year 
1908.  They  were  the  parents  of  three  children,  all  of  whom  live  in  the 
vicinity  of  North  East,  Gertrude  McCord  Bostwick,  John  M.,  and  Ralph  B., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Ralph  B.  McCord  spent  his  boyhood  on  his  father's  farm  and  is  a 
graduate  of  North  East  High  School  and  of  Cornell  University,  class  of 
1913.  From  that  time  until  he  entered  the  army,  he  engaged  in  the 
practice  of  his  profession  as  a  veterinary  surgeon  at  North  East. 

On  July  12,  1917,  Mr.  McCord  was  comimissioned  a  second  lieutenant 
and  was  stationed  at  Front  Royal,  Virginia.  He  served  in  a  number  of 
camps  on  this  side  and  on  May  14,  1918,  he  was  ordered  overseas  from 
Camp  Mills  and  was  attached  to  the  Fourth  Division  regular  army.  Short- 
ly before  being  ordered  overseas,  Mr.  McCord  was  married  to  Mary  Eliza- 
beth Lyons  of  Corry,  Pa.,  who  is  the  daughter  of  Cornelius  W.  and  Eva 


History  of  Erie  County  959 

(Williams)  Lyons,  residents  of  Corry.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McCord  have  no 
children.  Mr.  McCord  participated  in  all  the  major  engagements  over- 
seas and  was  commissioned  a  captain  while  in  France.  He  served  for 
several  months  with  the  Army  of  Occupation  in  Germany. 

Politically,  Mr.  McCord  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge,  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Erie  lodge  B.  P.  0.  E.  He  has  been  very  active 
among  the  ex-service  men  in  this  section  and  is  past  commander  of  Lake 
Shore  Post  105,  American  Legion  and  last  year  served  as  commander  of 
Erie  County  Post  40/8,  which  is  affiliated  with  the  Legion. 

On  Sept.  15,  1924,  Mr.  McCord  was  appointed  postmaster  and  is  now 
serving  in  that  capacity. 

William  G.  Biebel,  of  Kearsage,  is  a  successful  and  well  known  mer- 
chant of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  here  in  Mill  Creek  Township,  July 
31,  1875,  and  is  the  son  of  George  and  Mary  (Schuwerk)  Biebel. 

George  Biebel,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Mill  Creek  Township,  born 
Jan.  1,  1846,  and  the  son  of  Daniel  and  Charlotte  (Gintz)  Biebel.  Daniel 
Biebel  was  born  in  1817  and  in  August,  1836,  came  to  this  country  and 
settled  in  Erie.  He  died  at  Kearsage  in  1909.  George  Biebel  engaged  in 
the  mercantile  business  at  Kearsage  in  1872  and  died  in  1900.  His  wife, 
a  native  of  McKean,  Pa.,  was  born  in  1851  and  died  in  1913.  The  fol- 
lowing children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Biebel:  A.  J.,  lives  in  Mill 
Creek  Township,  was  for  a  number  of  years  connected  with  the  National 
Cash  Register  Company  as  a  salesman ;  Edward  D.,  deceased,  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  Biebel  Brothers,  Kearsage,  married  in  1903  to  Rose 
McDowell,  of  Crawford  County,  and  they  have  four  children:  Mary  C, 
married  Raymond  Sawdey,  lives  at  Kearsage;  George  J.,  Rose  E.,  and 
John  J.,  students;  W.  G.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Amelia,  married 
H.  S.  Countryman,  lives  in  Erie. 

W.  G.  Biebel  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  Kearsage  where  he  has 
spent  his  entire  life,  with  the  exception  of  a  year  spent  in  the  south. 
He  is  engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business  and  conducts  an  up- 
to-date  general  store.  He  is  also  local  agent  for  the  Chevrolet  automo- 
bile. For  many  years  Mr.  Biebel  has  been  widely  known  throughout 
Erie  County  as  a  successful  auctioneer. 

On  Jan.  1,  1915,  Mr.  Biebel  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Thora 
E.  Wolf,  a  native  of  Mill  Creek  Township,  and  a  daughter  of  L.  W.  and 


960  History  of  Erie  County 

Mary  Wolf,  residents  of  this  township.     Mr.  and  Mrs.   Biebel  have  a 
daughter,  Marian  E. 

Mr.  Biebel  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church  and  be- 
longs to  the  Elks  lodge.  He  has  many  friends  throughout  Erie  County 
and  the  Biebel  family  has  always  stood  high  in  the  community. 

Dr.  M.  M.  Mszanowski,  a  prominent  young  physician  and  surgeon  of 
Erie,  was  born  in  this  city,  Jan.  6,  1892,  and  is  a  son  of  Thomas  and  Eliz- 
abeth Mszanowski,  natives  of  Poland.  Thomas  Mszanowski  came  to  Corry, 
Pa.,  about  1885  and  later  returned  to  Europe  and  brought  his  wife  back 
to  America  and  settled  in  Erie  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life. 
His  widow  now  resides  in  Erie. 

After  attending  school  in  Erie,  M.  M.  Mszanowski  entered  college  at 
St.  Mary's,  Mich.,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  the  class  of  1912. 
Four  years  later  he  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of  Medicine  at  Jefferson 
Medical  College,  Philadelphia.  The  following  year  was  spent  as  an  interne 
at  St.  Margaret's  Hospital,  Pittsburgh,  after  which  Doctor  Mszanowski 
established  his  practice  in  Erie.  His  office  is  located  at  510  East  12th 
Street.  He  has  been  a  member  of  the  Hamot  Hospital  staff  for  five 
years. 

On  Sept.  28,  1921,  Doctor  Mszanowski  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Miss  Stephania  Zywicka,  and  they  have  two  children,  Edwin  and  Irene. 

Doctor  Mszanowski  is  identified  with  the  Erie  County  Medical  So- 
ciety, the  Pennsylvania  State  Medical  Association,  and  the  American 
Medical  Association.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church,  a  director 
of  the  Lincoln  Bank  and  Stanley  Brothers'  Furniture  Company  of  Erie, 
Pa.  He  is  an  enterprising  young  man  whose  success  in  life  is  already 
assured. 

St.  Mary's  College,  North  East.  The  congregation  of  the  Most  Holy 
Redeemer  (C.  Ss.  R.),  whose  members  are  called  Redemptorists,  is  a  re- 
ligious order  of  Missionaries,  founded  at  Scala,  in  the  Kingdom  of  Naples, 
in  1732,  by  Saint  Alphonsus  Maria  de  Ligouri,  Bishop  of  St.  Agatha  and 
Doctor  of  the  Church.  The  Redemptorists  came  to  this  country  in  1832, 
and  up  to  the  present  year,  1925,  have  founded  60  houses  in  the  United 
States,  Canada  and  Porto  Rico.  For  many  years  the  congregation  in 
America  had  no  institution  to  prepare  new  members  for  the  order.  The 
means  taken  to  supply  this  want  gave  origin  to  the  Preparatory  College, 


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DR.    M.    M.    MSZAXOWSKI 


History  of  Erie  County  961 

now  known  as  St.  Mary's  College  at  North  East.  In  1847  at  Baltimore, 
the  Redemptorists  fathers  sought  to  provide  future  members  for  the 
order  by  instructing  a  small  class  of  boys,  whose  inclinations  seemed  to 
indicate  a  calling  to  the  priesthood,  and  to  the  religious  life.  In  1856 
this  class  developed  into  a  day  school  for  boys  who  felt  inspired  to  be- 
come Redemptorists.  In  1867  this  day  school  was  in  turn  formed  into 
St.  Alphonsus'  Academy  by  the  Very  Rev.  Provincial  J.  Helmpraecht. 
Rev.  J.  N.  Berger  was  the  first  director  of  this  academy. 

In  May,  1868,  Rev.  Joseph  Firle  succeeded  Father  Berger,  and  in  the 
following  July,  Rev.  Jos.  Wuest  was  appointed  Director.  The  latter  is 
considered  the  real  founder  of  St.  Mary's  Preparatory  College.  His 
energetic  coadjutor  was  Rev.  Thaddeus  Anwander.  They  introduced  a 
complete  classical  course  of  a  regular  college.  For  this  purpose  the  garret 
of  St.  James'  School  at  Baltimore  was  fitted  up  and  opened  on  April  29, 
1869,  under  the  name  of  St.  James  College.  In  September,  1869,  48  pupils 
were  present;  the  faculty  was  increased  by  the  addition  of  Prof.  August 
Messier,  who  taught  at  the  college  for  35  years,  when  death  came  unex- 
pectedly, Aug.  18,  1904.  In  September,  1871,  there  were  over  80  pupils 
on  the  roll.  The  next  step  in  the  progress  of  the  college  was  its  removal 
to  Ilchester,  Md.,  near  Baltimore,  where  a  large  stone  house  had  become 
the  property  of  the  Redemptorists.  A  frame  building  was  added  and 
both  became  known  as  St.  Clement's  College.  In  1873  Father  Wuest  was 
relieved  of  the  heavy  burden  as  director  of  the  college  and  was  succeeded 
by  Rev.  Father  Stuhl.  The  latter  served  to  July,  1875,  his  successor  being 
Rev.  George  J.  Dusold.  Rev.  Joseph  M.  Schwartz  became  director  in 
December,  1877,  and  during  his  term  the  college  was  removed  to  North 
East  in  1881. 

During  the  sixties  there  had  been  established  at  North  East  under 
the  auspices  of  the  Methodist  Church,  a  seminary  for  the  education  of 
young  people.  The  site  chosen  was  on  a  part  of  the  property  of  an  old 
North  East  family  named  Hall,  and  lay  on  the  northern  limits  of  the 
borough.  The  building  was  begun  in  1867,  and  the  corner  stone  was  laid 
in  October,  1868.  The  erection  of  the  institution  cost  870,000.00,  a  sum 
too  large  for  the  Methodists  to  carry.  The  Presbyterians,  therefore, 
joined  them  in  the  undertaking  and  for  some  years  prosperity  seemed 
to  attend  the  institution.  The  Lake  Shore  Seminary  was  chartered  as 
"a  literary  institution  of  high  gi-ade  at  which  males  and  females  may 
pursue  and  complete  a  course  of  study  embracing  English  branches, 
(61) 


962  History  of  Erie  County 

ancient  and  modern  languages,  mathematics,  metaphysics,  music,  draw- 
ing, painting  and  the  science  and  art  of  teaching."  The  Presbyterians 
soon  became  dissatisfied  with  the  joint  management  and  withdrew,  after 
which  the  Seminary  was  so  harassed  by  debt  that  it  finally  closed.  The 
trustees  at  one  time  tried  to  get  the  United  States  government  to  take 
over  the  property  and  use  it  for  an  Indian  school.  Finally,  the  ground 
and  buildings  were  sold,  in  satisfaction  of  the  debts,  to  the  North  East 
Savings  Banks.  Meanwhile,  the  Preparatory  College  at  Ilchester  had 
reached  the  point  where  it  demanded  larger  and  better  accommodations. 
The  removal  of  the  institution  having  been  decided  upon,  a  chance  visit 
to  Erie  by  one  of  the  Redemptorists  Missionaries,  Rev.  A.  J.  Mclnerney, 
brought  the  news  about  the  desirable  property  at  North  East.  The  pa- 
pers which  concluded  the  sale  of  the  buildings  and  five  acres  of  land 
to  the  Redemptorist  Fathers  were  signed  Jan.  31,  1881. 

With  the  opening  of  the  first  term  at  North  East  in  August,  1881, 
the  Preparatory  College  entered  upon  a  new  period  of  existence.  This 
new  period  was  inaugurated  on  Aug.  2nd  by  the  solemn  dedication  of 
the  building,  the  Lake  Shore  Seminary,  henceforth  to  be  known  as  St. 
Mary's  College.  The  Preparatory  College  was  no  longer  an  idea,  an 
experiment;  it  was  an  institution  that  had  been  taken  up  into  the  life 
and  activity  of  the  congregation  of  the  Most  Holy  Redeemer,  of  which 
it  was  now  recognized  as  a  necessary  part.  The  nature  and  ideals  of 
the  institution  had  been  stated  by  Father  Helmpraecht,  some  ten  years 
before  and  the  objects  and  principles  then  laid  down  had  been  faithfully 
pursued.  "The  institute  is  to  be  of  such  a  nature  as  to  impart  both 
moral  and  scientific  training.  The  moral  training  is  to  imbue  the  schol- 
ars thoroughly  with  the  spirit  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Most  Holy 
Redeemer.  The  scientific  training  shall  embrace  the  usual  classical  course 
and  must  be  formally  completed  before  a  student  can  enter  the  novitiate. 
The  first  and  most  essential  requirements  for  admission  of  students  to 
the  college  are:  that  they  have  a  sincere  desire  to  become  Redemptorists 
and  that  they  give  promise  of  future  usefulness.  The  pupils  shall  be 
made  to  understand  that  all  their  learning,  however  necessary  is  little 
better  than  useless,  if  it  goes  not  hand  in  hand  with  virtue." 

The  old  seminary  building  was  a  two  story  brick  structure,  168  feet 
long  by  60  feet  wide,  with  mansard  roof  and  twin  towers.  The  edifice 
presents  practically  the  same  external  appearance  that  it  did  in  1881. 


History  of  Erie  County  963 

In  the  interior,  however,  the  changes  have  been  so  extensive  that  scarcely 
a  vestige  of  the  old  building  remains.  The  surrounding  grounds  have 
also  been  greatly  changed  and  extended.  The  original  property  of  the 
College  was  increased  in  1887,  by  the  purchase  of  the  Hall  property  some 
12  acres,  on  the  west  side  of  Pearl  Street,  formerly  the  campus.  A  little 
later,  during  the  same  year,  the  Hitchcock  property,  east  of  the  College, 
containing  21/2  acres  with  a  residence  in  the  midst  of  a  pretty  grove  was 
added  to  the  ground.  From  1887  to  1891,  two  lower  classes  of  St.  Mary's 
College  formed  St.  Clement's  College  at  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y.  When 
they  returned  to  North  East  the  accommodations  became  limited  and  in 
1893  plans  were  made  for  the  erection  of  a  faculty  building.  The  corner 
stone  was  laid  Nov.  19,  1893,  and  in  August,  1894,  the  new  building  was 
dedicated.  In  June,  1896,  the  Mills  property,  fronting  on  Lake  and 
Seminary  streets,  was  purchased.  In  1900  an  electric  power  house  was 
erected.  On  June  25,  1901,  the  corner  stone  was  laid  for  the  College 
Chapel,  a  beautiful  Gothic  structure,  built  of  granite  with  sandstone 
trimmings.  The  altars,  statuary,  windows,  and  the  decorative  work  of 
the  interior  are  products  of  the  best  artistic  taste  and  work,  and  a  source 
of  constant  inspiration  to  ecclesiastical  students. 

In  1884  the  Superior  of  St.  Mary's  was  raised  to  the  rank  of  Rector 
and  Father  Schwartz,  whose  labors  as  Superior  of  the  College,  both  be- 
fore and  after  its  removal  to  North  East,  entitled  him  to  highest  praise, 
was  appointed  its  first  Rector.  He  continued  in  this  office  during  two 
terms  until  July,  1890,  when  he  was  transferred  to  take  charge  of  a 
similar  college  in  the  Western  Province  of  the  Redemptorist  Fathers 
at  Kirkwood,  Mo.  Rev.  August  Dooper  was  the  second  Rector  at  the 
College  and  was  succeeded  in  1898  by  Rev.  Caspar  Ritter.  In  May,  1901, 
Rev.  John  G.  Schneider  became  Rector.  Rev.  Francis  Auth  was  appointed 
Rector  in  May,  1904,  and  it  was  during  his  term  that  the  Silver  Jubilee 
of  St.  Mary's  was  celebrated.  Scarcely  had  the  Silver  Jubilee  of  1906 
been  celebrated  when  Superiors  were  again  confronted  with  the  necessity 
of  enlarging  the  College.  Plans  were  proposed  to  increase  the  capacity 
of  the  institution,  from  140  to  250  students.  These  plans  were  finally 
realized  in  1912  when  two  spacious  wings,  the  height  of  the  College,  were 
added  to  the  rear  of  the  central  building.  These  additions  were  made 
possible  by  previous  purchase  in  1911  of  the  field,  some  50  acres  to  the 
rear  and  north  of  the  College.     This  purchase,  however,  did  not  include 


964  History  of  Erie  Couxty 

the  Sam  Irving  property,  some  five  acres,  fronting  on  Lake  Street,  which 
land  however  finally  came  into  the  possession  of  St.  Mary's  College  in 
1924. 

The  Rev.  Francis  Auth  was  succeeded  to  the  Rectorship  by  Rev.  Henry 
Jung  in  1912,  the  Rev.  Richard  Donohoe  being  appointed  Director  of  the 
College.  In  1915  Rev.  Donohoe  was  vested  with  the  double  office  of 
Rector  and  Director.  In  the  spring  of  1918  the  Rectorship  and  Director- 
ship devolved  upon  the  Rev.  John  Beierschmidt,  during  whose  triennium 
plans  were  matured  for  the  erection  of  a  spacious,  commodious,  up-to- 
date  infirmary.  It  was,  however,  left  to  his  successors  to  bring  the 
project  to  completion.  In  the  summer  of  1922  Rev.  Lawrence  Jung  was 
appointed  Rector  and  Director,  but  owing  to  ill  health  resigned,  and 
was  succeeded  in  October,  1922,  by  the  Rev.  Louis  Smith  under  whose 
first  term  of  three  years  the  infirmary,  a  structure  of  gray  granite,  was 
erected  to  the  rear  of  the  Chapel.  It  was  also  during  this  term  that, 
Feb.  17,  1923,  six  Sisters  of  trie  Order  of  St.  Elizabeth  arrived  from 
Germany,  having  generously  offered  themselves  to  care  for  the  sick  and 
to  do  the  housework  of  the  College.  In  May,  1924,  Rev.  Louis  N.  Smith 
was  reappointed  Rector  and  Director,  and  under  his  able  guidance  St. 
Mary's  College  still  holds  aloft  on  her  hills  the  torch  of  learning  and  the 
Cross  of  Religion. 

Cassius  L.  Alexander,  mayor  of  Corry,  is  a  leading  citizen  of  Erie 
County.  He  was  born  in  Wayne  Township,  Erie  County,  Jan.  24,  1875, 
and  is  a  son  of  Robert  Alexander.  His  grandfather,  James  Alexander, 
was  born  in  Mercer  County,  where  his  parents  located  as  pioneers. 

Learning  the  carpenter's  trade  in  Mercer  County,  James  Alexander 
came  to  Erie  County  when  a  young  man  and  after  working  there  a  few 
years  as  a  carpenter  settled  in  Wayne  Township,  where  he  was  employed 
as  a  tiller  of  the  soil  until  his  death,  while  yet  in  manhood's  vigor,  in 
1849.  He  married  Clarissa  Yeager,  who  was  born  in  Wayne  Township, 
Erie  County,  a  daughter  of  Daniel  Yeager.  A  native  of  Chenango  County, 
N.  Y.,  Mr.  Yeager  removed  from  there  to  Erie  County,  going  with  teams 
through  the  forests,  part  of  the  way  following  the  path  by  means  of 
blazed  trees.  Buying  a  tract  of  land  in  the  timber  he  took  possession  of 
the  cabin  built  by  the  former  owner  and  at  once  began  the  herculean  task 
of  redeeming  a  farm  from  the  forest.  Industrious  and  enterprising,  he 
succeeded  well  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  years  built  a  commodious  frame 


History  of  Erie  County  965 

house  on  the  turnpike  leading  from  Waterford  to  Columbus,  which  al- 
though but  a  small  village  was  the  nearest  market  for  farm  produce.  In 
addition  to  farming,  he  made  shaved  shingles,  which  he  sold  at  prices 
ranging  from  $1,121/0  to  $2  per  thousand.  He  lived  on  his  homestead, 
esteemed  and  respected  by  his  neighbors  and  friends  until  his  death  at 
the  venerable  age  of  90  years.  Mr.  Yeager  married  Polly  Pole,  a  native 
of  Chenango  County,  N.  Y.,  and  she  too  lived  to  a  good  old  age.  Mrs. 
Clarissa  (Yeager)  Alexander  died  when  55  years  of  age,  leaving  six 
children  as  follows:  Mary  Jane,  Robert,  Daniel,  Nancy,  Clara  and  Alice. 
Left  fatherless  when  a  boy,  Robert  Alexander  began  when  young  to 
assist  his  miother  in  supporting  the  family,  and  when  12  years  old  began 
working  out  as  a  farm  hand,  receiving  at  first  three  dollars  a  month 
wages,  and  continued  thus  employed  until  25  years  of  age.  Embarking 
then  in  business  on  his  own  account  he  at  first  rented  land  for  farming 
purposes,  meeting  with  all  of  the  success  that  he  had  anticipated,  he 
soon  bought  a  tract  of  50  acres  of  land,  nearly  one-half  of  which  was 
under  cultivation,  and  began  its  further  improvement.  He  erected  frame 
buildings,  cleared  the  greater  part  of  the  land,  and  at  the  end  of  15  years 
sold  at  an  advance.  He  subsequently  purchased  another  farm  in  Wayne 
Township,  not  far  from  his  first  purchase,  and  there  resided  23  years, 
until  1905,  when  he  moved  to  Corry.  During  that  time  he  made  improve- 
ments of  an  excellent  character,  building  a  brick  house  and  a  frame  barn, 
his  estate  ranking  as  one  of  the  best  and  most  valuable  in  the  county, 
his  land  being  unsurpassed  for  richness  and  fertility.  Robert  Alexander 
married  in  1862  Sarah  M.  Dutton,  who  was  born  at  Otselic,  Chenango 
County,  N.  Y.,  April  5,  1846,  a  daughter  of  John  Dutton,  a  native  of  the 
same  town.  Richard  Dutton,  the  great  grandfather  of  Mr.  Alexander, 
was  born  as  far  as  is  known,  in  Otselic,  and  was  there  reared  and  mar- 
ried. Later  in  life  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Chautauqua  County, 
N.  Y.,  traveling  in  true  pioneer  style  with  teams,  taking  all  of  his  house- 
hold effects  with  him.  One  of  the  original  settlers  of  Clymer,  he  bought 
a  tract  of  heavily  timbered  land,  and  on  the  farm  that  he  wrested  from 
the  wilderness,  he  spent  his  remaining  years.  In  1847  John  Dutton,  who 
was  reared  and  educated  in  Chenango  County,  and  there  married,  came 
to  Erie  County,  bringing  with  him  his  wife  and  children  and  settled  in 
Wayne  Township.  He  bought  land  on  which  a  small  patch  had  been 
cleared  and  a  log  house  erected,  ^nd  began  the  arduous  task  of  improving 
a  farm.     He  began  life  there  with  a  pair  of  oxen  and  one  cow  and  but 


966  History  of  Erie  County 

little  of  anything  else.  Ambitious  and  courageous  he  prospered  in  his 
undertakings,  clearing  a  good  farm,  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  years 
replaced  the  humble  log  buildings  with  substantial  frame  ones.  After 
occupying  the  farm  a  number  of  years  he  removed  to  Corry  where  he 
lived  retired  until  his  death  at  the  age  of  61  years.  The  maiden  name 
of  the  wife  of  John  Dutton  was  Mary  Ann  Raymond.  She  was  born  at 
Otselic,  N.  Y.,  a  daughter  of  Lewis  and  Annia  (Whitford)  Raymond,  and 
died  at  the  age  of  44  years.  Four  of  her  children  grew  to  mature  life, 
namely:  Marcia,  Laurancy,  Darwin,  and  Sarah  M.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robert 
Alexander  reared  seven  children,  namely:  Mary  A.,  John,  Daniel  J.,  Flor- 
ence, Ward,  Cassius  L.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  and  Harry.  Mr. 
Alexander,  who  was  born  Aug.  11.  1837,  died  May  9,  1923,  and  is  buried 
in  Corry  cemetery.     His  wife  died  in  February,  1925. 

Cassius  L.  Alexander  was  reared  and  educated  in  Corry.  In  the 
fall  of  1904  he  was  elected  to  the  common  council  of  the  city  of  Corry 
and  took  office  in  January,  1905.  In  ]906  he  was  elected  to  the  council 
at  large  and  in  1909  was  elected  mayor  of  Corry,  serving  four  years  and 
nine  months.  In  1914  he  was  elected  to  the  House  of  Representatives 
of  Pennsylvania  in  the  General  Assembly,  Third  District.  Mr.  Alexander 
was  again  elected  mayor  of  Corry  in  1917  and  re-elected  in  1921.  Like 
his  father,  he  has  always  been  a  staunch  Republican. 

Mr.  Alexander  has  a  daughter,  Margaret,  who  was  born  in  Corry, 
Dec.  21,  1895.  On  June  16,  1920,  she  was  married  to  Sydney  B.  Elston, 
a  native  of  Corry,  born  Dec.  24,  1888,  and  they  have  a  daughter,  Martha 
Eleanor  Elston,  born  Jan.  7,  1923.  Mr.  Elston  is  a  draftsman  in  the 
employ  of  the  Climax  Manufacturing  Company  at  Corry. 

Mr.  Alexander  is  a  32nd  degree  Mason  and  belongs  to  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  the  Elks  and  Eagles.  He  has  a  wide  acquaint- 
ance and  has  always  been  regarded  both  socially  and  in  his  business  rela- 
tions as  a  valuable  citizen  of  Erie  County. 

Frank  A.  Shutts  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Shutts  &  Morrison,  well 
known  architects  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  Jan.  9,  1887,  and 
is  a  son  of  Charles  A.  and  Barbara  (Hanselman)  Shutts. 

Charles  A.  Shutts  was  born  at  Westfield,  N.  Y.,  and  his  wife  was  a 
native  of  Germany.  He  was  an  early  settler  of  Erie  and  for  a  number 
of  years  was  a  foreman  in  the  Pennsylvania  car  shops  in  this  city.  He 
died  in  1894  and  his  wife  resides  in  Erie.    They  had  two  children:  Frank 


History  of  Erie  County  967 

A.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Mrs.  Blanch  Thompson,  lives  at  2108 
East  Avenue,  Erie. 

Frank  A.  Shutts  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  this  city.  After  com- 
pleting his  schooling  he  engaged  in  the  building  business  to  fit  himself 
for  the  profession  of  architecture.  Since  1909  he  has  engaged  in  the 
architectural  profession.  The  offices  of  Shutts  &  Morrison  are  in  the 
Marine  Bank  Building. 

On  June  8,  1911,  Mr.  Shutts  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Hazel 
Rettman,  of  Erie,  and  a  daughter  of  John  and  May  (Brower)  Rettman, 
who  live  at  227  Scott  Street,  Erie.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shutts  have  two  daugh- 
ters, Violet  M.,  and  Beatrice  H.,  both  students. 

Mr.  Shutts  is  a  Republican  and  belongs  to  the  Elks,  Moose,  Lions, 
and  Eagle  lodges,  and  the  Knights  of  the  Golden  Eagle.  He  served  as  a 
member  of  the  Pennsylvania  National  Guard  for  three  years.  Mr.  Shutts 
stands  high  in  the  community. 

Frank  Laurie,  president  of  the  National  Bank  of  Corry,  is  a  prom- 
inent citizen  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  March  12,  1863, 
and  is  the  son  of  Alexander  and  Elizabeth  (Gregory)  Laurie. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alexander  Laurie,  deceased,  were  natives  of  Scotland 
and  early  settlers  of  Corry.  He  was  a  farmer  during  his  active  career. 
There  were  three  children  in  the  Laurie  family:  George  M.,  lives  at 
Orchard  Park,  N.  Y. ;  Mary,  who  lives  with  her  brother  in  Corry ;  and 
Frank,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Frank  Laurie  received  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Corry  and  when 
a  young  man  became  interested  in  the  hotel  business.  He  was  proprietor 
of  the  old  Depot  Hotel  until  it  was  destroyed  by  fire  and  later  conducted 
the  European  Hotel,  Corry.  When  the  National  Bank  of  Corry  was 
organized  Mr.  Laurie  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  later 
elected  vice  president.     He  has  served  as  president  since  January,  1925. 

In  1887  Mr.  Laurie  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  A.  Work- 
man of  Canisteo,  N.  Y.  She  died  in  1923  and  is  buried  in  Pine  Grove 
cemetery,  Corry.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Laurie  were  born  three  children: 
Frank  A.,  Jr.,  a  graduate  of  Corry  High  School  and  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania,  where  he  is  now  a  professor  of  languages,  was  married 
to  Miss  Ebbert  of  Philadelphia,  and  they  have  two  children,  Francis  and 
Jene;  Anna,  a  graduate  of  Corry  High  School,  Pratt  Institute,  Columbia 
University   and  Johns   Hopkins   Hospital,   Baltimore,   Mo.,   now   superin- 


968  History  of  Erie  County 

tendent  of  the  Nurses  Association,  Erie ;  and  Raymond  A.,  connected 
with  the  Ajax  Iron  Works,  Corry,  married  Miss  Merritt  of  Corry,  and 
they  have  three  children,  Frank,  Alton,  and  Mary. 

Mr.  Laurie  is  a  Republican  and  has  served  as  a  member  of  the  City 
Council  at  various  times  for  16  years.  He  belongs  to  the  Elks  lodge, 
Knights  of  Pythias  and  Rotary  Club.  The  Laurie  family  is  well  known 
throughout  Erie  County  and  representative  of  the  best  citizenship  of 
the  community. 

Frederick  W.  Sapper,  president  of  the  Bank  of  Wesleyville,  is  a 
substantial  business  man  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  Oct  5,  1879, 
and  is  the  son  of  John  N.  and  Minnie  (Miller)  Sapper. 

John  N.  Sapper,  deceased,  was  for  many  years  one  of  the  leading 
business  men  and  citizens  of  Erie.  He  was  born  here,  Nov.  16,  1848,  the 
son  of  Veit  and  Anna  Dora  (Kroph)  Sapper,  natives  of  Germany.  In  1848 
the  Sapper  family  emigrated  to  the  United  States  and  settled  in  Erie. 
John  N.  Sapper  was  educated  in  Erie  and  when  a  boy  learned  the  tinner's 
trade.  He  was  employed  by  one  firm  for  25  years  and  in  1887  became  a 
member  of  the  firm  of  Mehl  &  Sapper,  hardware  dealers,  at  1114  State 
Street.  Mr.  Sapper  died  in  1916  and  his  wife  resides  in  Erie.  They  had 
one  son,  Frederick  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Frederick  W.  Sapper  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Erie 
and  his  first  business  connection  was  as  clerk  for  the  R.  G.  Dun  Company's 
local  office.  He  later  became  interested  in  banking  and  served  in  various 
positions  with  the  Marine  National  Bank  of  Erie,  for  eight  and  one- 
half  years,  after  which  he  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business.  He 
then  served  as  cashier  of  the  Home  National  Bank,  Union  City,  Pa.,  for 
several  years,  when  he  was  appointed  a  traveling  auditor  of  the  Auditor 
General's  Department  of  Pennsylvania,  which  position  he  now  holds.  In 
March,  1920,  Mr.  Sapper  organized  the  Bank  of  Wesleyville,  of  which 
he  is  president.  The  other  officers  are:  Benjamin  F.  Chambers,  vice 
president;  and  John  A.  Carlson,  cashier.  Mr.  Sapper  is  one  of  the  direc- 
tors of  the  Penn  Art  Steel  Works  of  Erie. 

Mr.  Sapper  has  a  son,  Frederick  W.,  Jr.,  now  a  student  at  Western 
Reserve  Academy,  Hudson,  Ohio. 

Politically  Mr.  Sapper  is  a  Republican.  He  holds  membership  in  the 
Park  Presbyterian  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic,  Elks  and  Eagles 
lodges,  and  the  Chamber  of  Commerce.  He  has  an  extensive  acquaint- 
ance in  Erie  County. 


F.  W.  SAPPKR 


History  of  Erie  County  969 

John  Elmer  Reed,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  and  the  author  of  this 
work,  was  born  Feb.  27,  1865,  in  Millcreek  Township,  Erie  County,  Pa., 
in  the  log  house  where  his  father  was  born,  on  an  eighty  acre  farm. 

His  ancestry  is  Scotch  and  English,  the  first  of  the  families  having 
entered  America  in  the  early  part  of  the  eighteenth  century,  settling  in 
southeastern  Pennsylvania.  His  great  grandfather,  Joseph  Ri^ed,  was  a 
captain  of  a  company  of  the  York  County  (Pa.)  Militia  of  the  Sixth 
Battalion,  organized  in  1776  composed  of  eight  companies.  The  battalion 
was  commanded  in  1777-8  by  Colonel  William  Ross,  a  relative  of  Joseph 
Reed  from  the  same  county.  Mr.  Joseph  Reed  was  also  a  ferryman  and 
tavern  keeper  on  the  Susquehanna  River,  owning  a  popular  ferry  below 
Harrisburg,  as  well  as  a  large  tract  of  land  at  that  place. 

Joseph  Reed  married  Janet  Ross  for  his  second  wife,  having  three 
children,  Elizabeth,  George  and  William.  George  Reed  was  born  August 
2,  1777,  at  the  Ferry,  and  later  married  Miss  Mary  McCreary,  a  daughter 
of  John  McCreary  and  Rebecca  (Clark)  McCreary,  whose  farmstead  was 
just  across  the  river  in  Lancaster  County.  George  Reed  and  wife  re- 
moved to  Millcreek  Township,  this  county,  in  1804,  taking  up  an  exten- 
sive tract  of  land  in  the  Gore  Tract,  where  they  improved  and  resided 
until  their  deaths.  They  reared  a  large  family  on  this  farm:  Joseph 
Reed,  the  elder  of  the  children  later  marrying  Jane  Grubb,  the  daughter 
of  Judge  John  Grubb  of  Millcreek  Township,  and  settling  upon  the  farm 
where  our  subject  was  born.  These  had  three  children,  born  in  that  log 
house:  John  Grubb  Reed  (father  of  our  subject),  George  and  Mary  Alicia. 
J.  G.  Reed  married  Candace  Eliza  Blair,  a  daughter  of  John  Wallace  Blair 
of  Girard  Township,  and  Candace   (Strong)  Blair. 

Joseph  Reed,  son  of  George,  was  born  Jan.  1,  1807,  in  Millcreek  Town- 
ship. He  married  on  Sept.  19,  1837,  and  died  Sept.  17,  1844.  His  father, 
George  Reed,  married  Feb.  28,  1804,  and  died  April  6,  1857.  John  Grubb 
Reed  was  born  on  Sept.  27,  1838,  married  March  15,  1864,  and  died  Nov. 
7,  1923.  Mary  McCreary,  wife  of  George  Reed,  was  born  Jan.  14,  1776, 
and  died  Dec.  19,  1859.  Jane  (Grubb)  Reed,  wife  of  Joseph,  was  born 
Feb.  25,  1810,  married  Sept.  19,  1837,  and  died  Dec.  31,  1846.  Candace 
Eliza  (Blair)  Reed,  wife  of  J.  G.,  was  born  Jan.  1,  1840,  and  died  May  9, 
1901. 

John  Grubb  Reed  and  his  wife  Candace  Eliza,  had  six  children:  John 
Elmer,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  born  Feb.  27,  1865;  George  Arthur, 
an  Erie  physician  and  surgeon,  Feb.  27,  1869;  Joseph  Wilbur,  March  27, 


970  History  of  Erie  County 

1871,  married  Sept.  5,  1901,  died  of  tetanus  April  3,  1910;  Mary  Ellen, 
Aug.  7,  1873,  unmarried;  Edith  Jane,  Sept.  16,  1876,  married  P.  E.  Car- 
penter, July  7,  1923 ;  James  Ross,  a  specialist  in  the  eye  and  ear  is  located 
in  Pasadena,  Calif.,  born  Feb.  24,  1880,  married  first  Nina  Katharine 
Blinn  on  June  1,  1910,  who  died  Nov.  22,  1911,  leaving  one  child,  John 
Edmund,  born  Oct.  18,  1911;  he  married  second  Miss  Margaret  Violet 
Macey  on  April  30,  1914,  and  they  have  five  boys. 

John  Elmer  Reed  attended  the  Millcreek  public  school  in  his  own  (the 
"Love"  neighborhood),  Edinboro  State  Normal  1882-3,  1883-4;  Clark's 
Business  College  in  Erie,  1884-5;  taught  the  "Rohrer  School"  in  McKean 
Township  two  years,  and  the  "Zuck  School"  in  Millcreek  Township  for 
three  years;  read  law  in  the  office  of  Hon.  Emory  A.  Walling,  in  Erie 
for  four  years,  assisting  in  the  office  work,  and  was  admitted  to  practice 
in  the  Erie  County  courts  June  28,  1895.  During  his  reading  of  law  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Cora  Brown,  of  Hamilton,  Ont.,  they  hav- 
ing one  son,  Robert  Cameron  Reed,  born  March  27,  1901,  in  Erie.  Our 
subject  was  for  some  years  identified  with  the  Erie  Tool  Works,  helping 
to  place  that  business  on  a  substantial  financial  footing.  He  practiced 
law  in  Erie  for  some  years,  and  later  became  the  senior  partner  in  the 
law  firm  of  Reed,  Wait  &  Spoiford,  with  offices  in  the  Masonic  Temple 
in  Erie.  This  firm  has  an  enviable  reputation  in  the  district  for  fair 
dealing,  and  for  an  able  presentation  of  its  cases  before  the  courts  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  elsewhere. 

Mr.  Reed  joined  the  Westminster  Presbyterian  Church  at  Westmin- 
ster, west  of  Erie  in  early  life ;  was  active  in  its  work,  and  in  the  work 
and  organization  of  the  young  peoples'  societies  of  the  church,  being  the 
first  president  of  the  Lake  Shore  Union  of  the  Christian  Endeavor  So- 
cieties of  this  county.  On  his  marriage  they  removed  to  Erie,  and  joined 
the  Central  Presbyterian  Church  of  that  city,  of  which  they  and  their 
son  are  now  members.  Mr.  Reed  and  his  wife  are  the  owners  of  a  popular 
lake-side  summer  resort  ten  miles  east  of  Erie,  known  as  Shorewood, 
where  they  have  a  large  shore-side  inn,  picnic  grounds,  bathing  beach 
and  summer  cottages,  and  where  they  have  lived  for  the  past  six  years. 
His  son  Robert  is  the  manager  of  the  inn.  He  is  also  the  owner  of  lake 
side  property  in  Girard  Township,  called  Erie  Lakeland,  adapted  to  sum- 
mer colony  purposes.  Our  subject  is  the  secretary  of  the  Erie  County 
Historical  Society,  and  has  contributed  historical  articles  to  the  press 
from  time  to  time;  is  the  secretary-treasurer  of  the  Weis  Library,  eight 


History  of  Erie  County  971 

miles  southwest  of  Erie;  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  County  Bar  Associa- 
tion, and  of  the  Pennsylvania  State  Bar  Association.  Through  his  descent 
from  Thomas  Cooper,  the  father-in-law  of  Hon.  John  Grubb,  he  was  ad- 
mitted to  membership  in  the  Sons  of  the  American  Revolution  on  Jan.  3, 
1924.  He  served  for  many  years  with  Messrs.  Joseph  M.  Force  and 
Cassius  L.  Baker  on  the  Registration  Committee  of  the  Erie  County  Bar 
Association,  and  until  registrations  were  effected  under  the  Supreme 
Court  rules  and  examinations.  His  great  grandfather,  Hon.  John  Grubb, 
was  the  first  American  to  come  to  the  lake  shore  country,  and  to  become 
a  permanent  inhabitant  here.  He  was  in  command  of  a  company  of 
militia  who  arrived  here  from  Pittsburgh  in  June,  1795,  guarding  the 
engineers  who  were  laying  out  the  future  city  from  Indian  attacks;  he 
became  a  major,  and  later  was  an  associate  judge  of  our  court  when  it 
stood  in  the  park,  being  on  the  bench  with  the  other  members  when  Henry 
Francisco  was  tried  here  for  murder;  and  was  later  one  of  the  Commis- 
sioners of  Erie  County,  the  first  justice  of  the  peace  in  Millcreek  Town- 
ship, and  a  most  prominent  man  in  the  county.  He  was  here  at  the  har- 
bor with  his  soldiers  when  Seth  Reed  and  family  landed  on  their  way 
from  Buffalo.  Mr.  Grubb  and  his  family  were  prominent  members  of 
the  old  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  Erie. 

Walter  K.  Stow  is  a  progressive  business  man  of  North  East  where 
he  is  extensively  interested  in  the  grape  industry.  He  was  born  at  To- 
ledo, Ohio,  Jan.  24,  1887,  and  is  a  son  of  William  L.  and  Anna  J.  (Steele) 
Stow. 

William  L.  Stow  was  born  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  8,  1839. 
For  many  years  he  lived  at  Toledo,  Ohio,  where  he  was  general  freight 
agent  for  the  Lake  Shore  &  Michigan  Southern  Railroad.  He  died  June 
14,  1903,  and  is  buried  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y.    His  widow  resides  in  Erie. 

Walter  K.  Stow  attended  the  public  schools  of  Toledo  and  Buffalo 
and  was  graduated  from  Cornell  University  in  1911.  He  immediately 
engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  and  purchased  the  farm  of  James  L. 
Spoffard.  Later  he  sold  this  land  to  Roy  Strickland  and  now  owns  two 
farms  of  110  acres  each.  He  specializes  in  the  raising  of  grapes  and 
fruit  and  is  interested  in  the  Keystone  Grape  Cooperative  Association. 
He  is  also  vice  president  of  the  Stow  Lumber  &  Coal  Company. 

On  Feb.  17,  1916,  Mr.  Stow  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mar- 
garet B.  Jones,  born  at  Pittsburgh,  Sept.  5,  1890,  and  the  daughter  of 


972  History  of  Erie  County 

the  late  Dr.  William  and  Hannah  (Short)  Jones.  Dr.  Jones  was  a  lead- 
ing physician  of  Pittsburgh.  His  widow  resides  at  North  East.  Mrs. 
Stow  was  educated  in  Pittsburgh  and  attended  Vassar  College.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Stow  have  a  son,  Walter  K.,  Jr.,  born  Oct.  19,  1916. 

Mr.  Stow  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  the  University 
Club  of  Erie,  the  North  East  Club  and  the  North  East  Golf  Club.  He 
also  belongs  to  the  Sigma  Alpha  Epsilon  fraternity  and  the  Scalp  and 
Blade  Society  of  Cornell  University. 

Dr.  L.  R,  Umburn,  one  of  the  well  known  physicians  of  Erie  County, 
who  has  been  successfully  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  at 
Albion  for  a  number  of  years,  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was 
born  at  Indiana,  Pa.,  April  14,  1885,  and  is  the  son  of  Joseph  and  Susie 
(Crum)   Umburn. 

Joseph  Umburn,  a  native  of  Somerset  County,  Pa.,  was  born  in  1848 
and  now  lives  retired  at  Albion.  Practically  his  entire  life  he  was  inter- 
ested in  the  oil  business.  His  wife  died  in  1913  and  is  buried  at  Waynes- 
burg,  Pa.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Umburn  four  children  were  born:  H.  C,  born 
in  1876,  superintendent  of  the  Roxanna  Oil  Company  of  Oklahoma;  Fran- 
cis, born  in  1880,  a  bookkeeper,  lives  at  Fairmount,  W.  Va. ;  Edith  Um- 
burn, deceased;  and  Dr.  L.  R.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Dr.  L.  R.  Umburn  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools 
of  Waynesburg  and  was  graduated  from  high  school  there  in  1903  and 
later  from  Waynesburg  College.  He  received  his  degree  as  Doctor  of 
^Medicine  at  the  University  of  Pittsburgh  in  1910  and  after  completing  his 
interne  work  at  Hamot  Hospital,  Erie,  he  established  his  practice  at 
Albion,  where  he  has  since  been  located  with  the  exception  of  the  period 
spent  in  service  during  the  World  War. 

Doctor  Umburn  enlisted  in  the  National  Guard  of  Pennsylvania  in 
1903  and  served  until  1911  as  a  member  of  Company  K,  Tenth  Regi- 
ment, N.  G.  P.  In  June,  1917,  he  enlisted  in  the  United  States  Medical 
Corps  and  was  called  into  service  on  Aug.  27th  and  sent  to  Fort  Og'le- 
thorpe,  Georgia,  where  he  remained  for  six  weeks.  He  was  then  trans- 
ferred to  Camp  Pike,  Ark.  He  sailed  for  France  as  a  member  of  the 
87th  Division  and  was  promoted  from  lieutenant  to  captain  in  December, 
1918,  and  in  March,  1919,  was  nxade  a  major.  Doctor  Umburn  saw  active 
service  in  the  war  zone  throughout  the  war  and  during  the  engagements 
at  Verdun  and  the  Meuse  Argonne  he  was  attached  to  the  80th  Division. 


History  of  Erie  County  973 

In  September,  1919,  he  was  discharged  at  Camp  Dix,  N.  J.,  with  the 
rank  of  major.  He  is  now  a  major  in  the  Medical  Officers  Training 
Reserve  Corps.  Doctor  Umburn  is  a  member  of  the  American  Legion 
Oakley  Cobb  Post  No.  567  of  Albion  and  is  past  commander.  He  also  is 
identified  with  the  La  Societe  des  40  Hommes  et  8  Chevaux  of  Erie. 

In  1917  Doctor  Umburn  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Marian 
Burns,  a  resident  of  Albion,  now  deceased.  He  was  married  in  1922  to 
Miss  Ora  Newton,  of  Los  Angeles,  Calif. 

Doctor  Umburn  is  a  staunch  Republican  and  belongs  to  the  Elks 
lodge.  He  is  identified  with  the  American  Medical  Association  and  the 
Association  of  Military  Surgeons  of  the  United  States.  He  has  served 
as  deputy  county  medical  inspector  and  as  deputy  coroner  of  Erie  County. 
As  a  physician  and  a  citizen.  Doctor  Umburn  ranks  high  in  the  com- 
munity. 

Clare  Gordon  Cherry,  secretary  and  manager  of  the  Albion  Telephone 
Company,  is  a  successful  and  representative  business  man  of  Erie  County. 
He  was  born  in  Spring  Township,  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  Dec.  14,  1883, 
and  is  the  son  of  Edward  M.  and  Alice  (Knapp)  Cherry. 

Edward  M.  Cherry  is  a  prosperous  farmer  of  Erie  County  and  resides 
one  and  one-half  miles  northwest  of  Albion.  He  is  a  native  of  Wisconsin 
and  his  wife  was  born  in  Crawford  County.  They  have  six  children: 
Claude  N.,  a  mail  carrier,  lives  at  New  Castle,  Pa. ;  Truman  T.,  a  farmer, 
lives  with  his  parents;  Grace,  married  Geoi-ge  W.  Breese,  lives  at  Albion; 
Earl,  lives  at  Conneautville,  Pa.;  Myron  M.,  lives  at  Albion;  and  Clare 
Gordon,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Clare  Gordon  Cherry  spent  his  boyhood  on  his  father's  farm  and 
received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Albion  and  attended  Edin- 
boro  State  Normal  School.  After  several  years  as  a  teacher  in  the  schools 
at  Cherry  Hill,  Keepville  and  Tracy,  Erie  County,  Mr.  Cherry  became 
interested  in  the  electrical  business  at  Albion,  later  going  to  North  Caro- 
lina and  New  Orleans,  La.  In  1907  he  returned  to  Albion  where  he  was 
associated  with  Rogers  Brothers,  and  later  with  the  Erie  Mutual  Tele- 
phone Company.  He  was  employed  by  the  Erie  City  Iron  Works  for 
some  time  and  in  1912  entered  the  employ  of  the  Albion  Telephone  Com- 
pany as  a  lineman.  Two  years  later  he  was  appointed  manager  and  in 
1921  was  promoted  to  secretary  and  manager  of  the  local  concern.  He 
is  a  director  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Albion  and  is  chief  of  the  fire 


974  History  of  Erie  County 

department,  being  appointed  to  that  office  in  January,  1925.  He  has 
served  as  a  member  of  the  city  council  since  1921  and  is  a  Republican. 

In  October,  1922,  Mr.  Cherry  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mrs.  Sylvia 
(Laughlin)  Eldridge,  a  native  of  Wexford  County,  Mich.,  born  Aug.  12, 
1887,  and  the  daughter  of  C.  C.  and  Ada  (Brown)  Laughlin,  natives  of 
Pennsylvania.  Mr.  Laughlin  is  deceased  and  his  wife  lives  in  Pennsyl- 
vania. They  had  two  daughters:  Mrs.  Cherry;  and  Estella,  born  Nov. 
28,  1880,  married  William  Hodgkin,  lives  at  Newberry,  Mich.,  where  he 
is  engaged  in  the  lumber  business.  By  her  former  marriage  Mrs.  Cherry 
has  four  children:  Gertrude  Eldridge,  born  Jan.  10,  1906,  lives  with  her 
mother;  Leslie  N.,  born  Nov.  13,  1910,  a  student  at  Wellsburg,  Pa.;  Elsie 
M.,  born  Sept.  1,  1913;  and  Fred  L.,  born  April  8,  1917. 

Mr.  Cherry  is  one  of  the  dependable  citizens  of  his  community  and 
is  favorably  known. 

Chaunc«y  V.  Lick,  who  lives  retired  at  Albion,  is  a  worthy  descendant 
of  an  old  and  honored  family  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Edinboro, 
Jan.  3,  1859,  and  is  the  son  of  John  L.  and  Eliza  (Goodrich)  Lick. 

John  L.  Lick,  deceased,  was  born  in  Erie  County  in  1830,  the  son 
of  Aaron  Lick,  who  camie  to  Erie  County  during  the  early  days.  The 
former  engaged  in  farming  during  his  life  and  met  with  success.  He 
died  in  Ontario,  Canada,  in  1873,  and  his  wife,  who  died  in  1914,  was 
the  daughter  of  Calvin  and  Hope  Goodrich,  who  settled  at  Edinboro  in 
1836.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lick  the  following  children  were  born:  W.  S., 
born  in  1849,  died  in  1917;  Mary,  the  widow  of  William  Surft,  lives  at 
Edinboro;  Rosa,  born  in  1856,  died  in  1923,  was  the  wife  of  Leroy  Baker, 
who  lives  at  Edinboro;  C.  V.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  John  L.,  born 
Feb.  1,  1861,  lives  at  Albion;  Nellie,  born  in  1865,  married  Dr.  H.  0. 
Gibson,  a  dentist,  lives  at  Edinboro;  Frank,  born  in  1868,  lives  at  North 
East,  Pa.;  and  two  sons  who  died  in  infancy. 

After  completing  his  schooling  in  the  schools  of  Albion,  C.  V.  Lick 
learned  the  harness  maker's  trade,  which  he  followed  successfully  for 
48  years.  In  1882  he  established  his  own  business  at  Albion  and  until 
the  time  of  his  retirement  in  September,  1924,  conducted  the  largest 
harness  and  retail  carriage  business  in  this  section.  He  was  also  a  dealer 
in  farming  implements.  In  1890  Mr.  Lick  also  engaged  in  the  under- 
taking business,  but  sold  this  interest  in  1905.  Before  his  retirement  he 
served  as  vice  president  of  the  Citizens  National  Bank. 


History  of  Erie  County  975 

On  Dec.  1,  1880,  Mr.  Lick  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary 
Dietz,  a  native  of  Conneaut  Township,  Erie  County,  born  Sept.  9,  1859, 
and  a  daughter  of  Adam  and  Amanda  Dietz,  natives  of  Erie  County. 
Mr.  Dietz  is  deceased  and  his  widow  resides  at  Portland,  Ore.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Lick  were  born  three  children:  Milo  Vernon,  born  April  6,  1883, 
lives  at  Wesleyville,  Pa.,  is  a  World  War  veteran;  Dr.  Maxwell  John, 
born  Oct.  25,  1884,  was  graduated  from  Albion  High  School,  Allegheny 
College  and  the  Medical  School  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  now 
engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  49  West  Eighth  Street,  Erie, 
was  married  July  22,  1915,  to  Miss  Mary  E.  McLaughlin,  a  native  of 
Springboro,  Pa.;  and  Florence  Elizabeth,  born  July  19,  1887,  was  grad- 
uated from  Meadville  High  School  and  the  Meadville  College  of  Music, 
was  married  June  14,  1910,  to  Elmer  D.  Loose,  an  attorney,  lives  at 
Erie,  Pa. 

Mr.  Lick  has  served  as  a  member  of  the  school  board  and  the  city 
council  for  many  years.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge. 

Walter  L.  Peake,  attorney,  of  Corry,  is  among  the  representative  citi- 
zens of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Wellsboro,  Pa.,  March  7,  1883,  and 
is  the  son  of  Frank  C.  and  Ella  (Close)  Peake. 

Frank  C.  Peake  is  a  prominent  farmer  and  stockman  of  Wellsboro, 
Pa.,  where  he  has  spent  his  entire  life.  He  is  a  Republican  and  has  held 
several  county  offices.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peake  have  three  children:  Erwin, 
a  merchant,  hves  at  Wellsboro;  Walter  L.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
and  Luva,  at  home. 

Walter  L.  Peake  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  of  his  native 
town  and  is  a  graduate  of  Lafayette  College,  Easton,  Pa.  The  next  four 
years  he  was  engaged  in  teaching  school,  and  studying  law  with  Merrick 
&  Young,  attorneys,  of  Wellsboro,  after  which  he  practiced  law  at  Knox- 
ville.  Pa.,  for  five  months.  In  March,  1912,  he  removed  to  Corry  where 
he  has  established  an  excellent  practice. 

On  Oct.  18,  1911,  Mr.  Peake  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Strang,  the  grand-daughter  of  B.  B.  Strang,  at  one  time  speaker  in 
the  house  of  representatives.  Mrs.  Peake  was  born  at  Westfield,  Pa.,  and 
is  the  daughter  of  Francis  D.  and  Alice  (Tremper)  Strang.  Mr.  Strang, 
who  died  Oct.  11,  1912,  was  a  well  known  merchant  of  Westfield,  where 
his  widow  resides.     They  were  the  parents  of  three  children:  Hugh  B., 


976  History  of  Erie  County 

attorney,  lives  at  Westfield,  Pa. ;  Grace,  married  Charles  Crane,  attorney, 
lives  at  Madison,  N.  Y. ;  and  Mrs.  Peake.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peake  have  one 
child,  Walter  Strang  Peake,  born  Feb.  3,  1925. 

Mr.  Peake  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  a 
32nd  degree  Mason,  and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows and  the  Elks  lodge.  He  is  a  capable  lawyer  and  is  intensely  inter- 
ested in  every  movement  for  civic  improvement. 

Theobald  M.  M.  Flynn,  M.  D.,  F.  A.  C.  S.,  is  a  successful  and  well 
known  physician  and  surgeon  of  Erie,  where  he  has  practiced  his  profes- 
sion since  1914.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  Nov.  26,  1875,  and  is  the 
son  of  the  late  Thomas  and  Mary  E.  (Walsh)  Flynn. 

Thomas  Flynn  was  born  in  Ireland,  Sept.  29,  1829.  He  studied  archi- 
tecture in  Dublin  and  after  settling  in  Ottawa,  Canada,  was  superintendent 
of  the  Ottawa  Construction  Company  and  was  in  part  charge  of  the 
Dominion  Parliament  buildings  in  that  city.  In  1854  he  came  to  Erie, 
where  he  became  a  leading  architect  and  contractor.  Among  his  out- 
standing works  is  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  stone  bridge  work  from 
Philadelphia  to  Harrisburg  by  Sunbury,  the  Catholic  Cathedral,  and  the 
O'Brien  vault  in  Trinity  Cemtery,  Erie,  Pa.  He  died  Sept.  14,  1881.  Mr. 
Flynn  was  prominent  in  politics  in  his  time  and  served  as  select  councilman 
five  terms.  He  was  a  Democrat  and  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church. 
His  wife,  who  was  born  at  Lockport,  Erie  County,  Pa.,  Oct.  21,  1839, 
died  Dec.  12,  1918.  She  was  the  daughter  of  James  and  Anna  (Barrett) 
Walsh.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Flynn,  who  were  married  May  5,  1874,  four 
children  were  born:  Dr.  Theobald  M.  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
Thomas  W.,  an  actor,  lives  in  New  York  City;  James  Patrick,  a  tobacco 
grower,  lives  in  Spain;  and  Rev.  John  J.,  a  priest,  located  in  Brooklyn, 
N.  Y. 

After  his  graduation  from  Central  High  School,  Erie,  in  1893,  Theo- 
bald M.  M.  Flynn  entered  the  employ  of  the  Scott  Coal  Company,  where 
he  remained  13  years.  In  1911  he  received  his  degree  from  the  University 
of  Pennsylvania  as  Doctor  of  Medicine.  His  interne  work  was  done  at 
the  Philadelphia  Lying  In  Hospital  and  he  was  also  an  interne  at  Chil- 
dren's Sea  Shore  House,  Atlantic  City,  and  St.  Joseph's  Hospital  in  that 
city.  He  spent  several  months  doing  sanitary  survey  work  for  the  United 
States  Public  Health  Service  at  Wilmington,  Del.,  and  in  1914  came  to 
Erie.     Doctor  Flynn  specializes  in  pelvic  surgery  and  obstetrics  and  has 


l)Ii.   TilEOlJALD  JI.  M.   FLVXX. 


History  of  Erie  County  977 

taken  post  graduate  work  in  Brooklyn,  Boston,  New  York  City  and  Chi- 
cago. He  has  been  a  member  of  Hamot  Hospital  staff  for  four  years  and 
a  member  of  St.  Vincent's  Hospital  staff  for  10  years.  He  is  a  Fellow 
of  the  American  College  of  Surgeons,  a  Fellow  of  the  American  Medical 
Association,  a  member  of  the  American  Association  for  the  Advance  of 
Science,  a  member  of  the  Clinical  Society  of  Erie,  and  he  also  belongs  to 
the  Erie  General  Dispensary  staff.  Doctor  Flynn  is  a  skilled  physician 
and  surgeon  and  has  an  extensive  practice. 

On  March  24,  1913,  Doctor  Flynn  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Clara  E.  Welsh,  of  Erie,  born  Feb.  1,  1888,  and  the  daughter  of  John  and 
Ellen  Welsh,  of  Ireland.  They  have  three  children:  T.  M.  M.,  Jr.,  born 
Nov.  26,  1914;  John  T.,  Born  Nov.  18,  1917;  and  Patricia  Claire,  born 
May  21,  1919. 

Dr.  Charles  B.  Kibler,  a  physician  and  surgeon  of  Corry,  Pa.,  is  well 
known  throughout  the  community  both  as  a  successful  man  in  his  pro- 
fession and  as  an  excellent  citizen.  He  was  born  in  Bucyrus,  Ohio,  and 
is  a  son  of  Fred  and  Eva  (Hechtman)  Kibler. 

Fred  Kibler  came  to  this  country  from  Germany  when  he  was  12 
years  of  age  and  located  in  Erie.  He  later  removed  to  Bucyrus,  Ohio, 
where  he  became  a  well  known  merchant.  His  wife  was  also  a  native  of 
Germany.    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kibler,  deceased,  were  the  parents  of  12  children. 

Charles  B.  Kibler  was  graduated  with  honors  from  the  Medical  De- 
partment of  the  University  of  Buffalo  in  1870,  and  soon  afterwards  lo- 
cated in  Corry,  where  he  later  founded  the  Corry  City  Hospital.  He 
served  as  a  member  of  the  board  of  education  for  20  years,  and  as  its 
president  for  11  years.  He  was  sent  as  a  delegate  by  the  Amei'ican 
Medical  Association  to  the  International  Medical  Congress  in  Berlin  in 
1890,  afterward  spending  some  time  in  the  hospitals  of  London,  Paris, 
Berlin,  Dresden,  Munich  and  Vienna.  For  a  number  of  years  Dr.  Kibler 
was  president  of  the  Association  of  Erie  Railway  Surgeons,  and  belongs 
to  the  County,  State  and  American  Medical  Associations,  the  New  York 
Medical  Legal  Society,  the  British  Medical  and  the  National  Association 
of  Railway  Surgeons.  Dr.  Kibler  performed  the  fortieth  operation  for 
appendicitis  in  America. 

On  Oct.  26,  1871,  Dr.  Kibler  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Kittie 
L.  Palmer,  the  daughter  of  Dr.  J.  M.  Palmer  of  Corry.  Mrs.  Kibler  is 
deceased.  To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Kibler  were  born  three  children:  Bertha  C- 
(62) 


978  History  of  Erie  County 

who  died  in  1917;  Florence  Eva,  married  Joseph  J.  Desmond,  banker,  of 
Corry;  and  Dr.  John  C,  who  is  associated  in  practice  with  his  father. 

Dr.  Kibler  is  a  RepubUcan,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge  and  Shrine,  as  well  as  the  Rotary  club  and 
the  Elks  lodge.  He  is  a  capable,  energetic  and  public  spirited  man,  one 
whose  life  means  much  to  his  community. 

Charles  E.  Danielson,  president  of  the  Corry  Box  &  Lumber  Com- 
pany, is  a  highly  esteemed  and  well  known  business  man  of  Erie  County. 
He  was  born  in  Warren  County,  Pa.,  June  16,  1872,  and  is  the  son  of 
Louis  Danielson. 

Louis  Danielson  settled  in  Warren  County,  Pa.,  in  1860.  He  im^ 
proved  a  large  tract  of  land  and  became  a  successful  farmer.  He  was  a 
Republican  and  a  member  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  Church.  Mr.  Daniel- 
son died  in  February,  1917.  His  widow  resides  at  Chandler  Valley,  Pa. 
They  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Charles  E.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch ;  Theodore,  deceased ;  Sophia,  lives  at  Warren,  Pa. ;  Alma, 
lives  at  Warren;  Josie,  married  John  Torson,  lives  at  Warren;  Arthur, 
a  farmer,  lives  in  Warren  County;  and  Bennett,  lives  on  the  old  home- 
stead. 

Charles  E.  Danielson  attended  the  schools  of  his  native  town  and  in 
1916  came  to  Erie  County  and  located  at  Corry.  He  has  always  been 
interested  in  the  lumber  business  and  in  1921  organized  a  company  of 
which  he  is  now  president.  The  Corry  Box  &  Lumber  Company  handles 
building  materials  of  all  kinds  and  does  a  large  volume  of  business  in 
the  county. 

On  Jan.  17,  1904,  Mr.  Danielson  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Georgia  Rexley,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.     They  have  no  children. 

Mr.  Danielson  is  a  Republican,  and  he  and  his  wife  are  well  known 
in  Erie  County. 

Clyde  F.  Brown,  manager  of  the  Corry  Bridge  &  Supply  Company, 
ranks  among  the  substantial  citizens  of  his  community.  He  was  born  in 
Concord  Township,  Erie  County,  July  31,  1870,  and  is  the  son  of  Lorenzo 
and  Othelia  (Patterson)  Brown. 

Lorenzo  Brown,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  fol- 
lowed farming  and  stock  raising  during  his  life  and  met  with  success. 
Mr.  Brown  was  a  Republican  and  served  as  road  commissioner  and  school 


History  of  Erie  County  979 

director.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Church.  He  died  in  Jan- 
uary, 1914,  and  his  wife  died  in  May,  1912.  They  were  the  parents  of 
five  children,  as  follows:  Earl,  lives  at  Corry;  Clyde  F.,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  Bessie,  married  Louis  Kirsh,  lives  at  Corry;  Bertha  D.,  the 
widow  of  Ira  McCray,  lives  at  Corry;  and  Lata,  died  in  infancy. 

Clyde  F.  Brown  was  reared  on  his  father's  farm  and  attended  the 
district  schools  of  Concord  Township.  He  began  life  as  a  traveling  sales- 
man and  in  1909  was  appointed  manager  of  the  Corry  Bridge  &  Supply 
Company.  This  company  builds  highway  bridges  and  handles  road  build- 
ing machinery. 

On  Aug.  23,  1894,  Mr.  Brown  was  married  to  Miss  Ora  G.  Young,  who 
was  born  in  Concord  Township,  April  1,  1874,  and  the  daughter  of  Wil- 
liam and  Hannah  (Heath)  Young,  both  deceased.  Mr.  Young  was  a 
Civil  War  veteran  and  a  leading  farmer  of  Concord  Township.  There 
were  six  children  in  the  Young  family:  Mella,  Alton,  Robert,  Walter,  and 
Belle,  all  deceased ;  and  Mrs.  Brown.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brown  two  children 
were  born:  Harold  L.,  born  May  31,  1896;  and  Ralph  W.,  born  in  1900, 
died  in  1916. 

Harold  L.  Brown  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War,  having  served  over- 
seas for  two  years  in  the  aviation  service.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Flor- 
ence Slatterly  of  Bradford,  Pa.,  and  they  have  two  children,  Robert  and 
Joan.  Mr.  Brown  is  employed  by  the  Corry  Bridge  &  Supply  Company 
as  a  salesman. 

Clyde  F.  Brown  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Church 
and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  well  known 
throughout  Erie  County,  where  he  has  always  been  esteemed  as  a  man 
of  progress,  industry  and  initiative. 

James  P.  Mead,  a  well  known  business  man  of  Corry,  who  conducts 
the  Corry  Steam  Boiler  Works,  was  born  in  Corry,  Oct.  19,  1873,  and 
is  the  son  of  Michael  and  Bridget  (Martin)  Mead. 

Michael  Mead,  deceased,  was  a  native  of  Ireland  and  a  pioneer  of  this 
section.  In  1899  he  organized  the  business  now  conducted  by  his  son. 
Mr.  Mead  was  a  Democrat  and  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church.  He 
died  in  1914  and  his  widow,  who  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  now  resides 
in  Corry.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mead  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children: 
Elizabeth,  lives  with  her  mother;  James  P.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
Mary,   married  A.   McCabe,   a   merchant   of  Erie;   Anna,   married   John 


980  History  of  Erie  County 

Graham,  lives  at  Oil  City,  Pa.;  Margaret,  married  Edward  York,  lives 
at  Oil  City,  Pa.;  Theresa,  married  Arthur  Runser,  lives  in  Erie;  Thomas, 
engaged  in  business  with  his  brother,  James  P.;  and  Florence,  at  home. 

James  P.  Mead  attended  the  schools  of  Corry  and  when  a  young  man 
entered  his  father's  employ.  At  the  latter's  death  he  became  manager 
of  the  business,  which  he  has  since  conducted.  The  Corry  Steam  Boiler 
Works  ranks  among  the  city's  well  known  enterprises  and  Mr.  Mead 
is  known  as  an  enterprising  and  progressive  citizen. 

On  Oct.  20,  1915,  Mr.  Mead  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Catherine 
Conway,  a  native  of  Union  City,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  Patrick  and 
Mary  (O'Brien)  Conway,  natives  of  Ireland  and  early  settlers  of  Union 
City.  Mr.  Conway  was  a  well  known  hardware  merchant  of  that  section 
and  died  in  1904.  His  wife  died  in  1918.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mead  have 
been  born  four  children:  Mary,  James,  Thomas  and  John,  all  at  home. 

Mr.  Mead  and  his  family  hold  membership  in  the  Catholic  Church 
and  he  is  identified  with  the  Knights  of  Columbus.  Their  home  is  at  216 
East  Wayne  Street. 

Dr.  Harrison  A.  Curtis,  a  successful  and  well  known  dentist  of  Corry, 
was  born  in  Warren  County,  Pa.,  Oct.  25,  1882,  and  is  the  son  of  Nelson 
P.  and  Tirzah  (Thompson)  Curtis. 

Nelson  P.  Curtis  was  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War  and  a  prominent 
citizen  of  Warren  County.  He  was  a  pioneer  building  contractor  of  that 
county  and  served  during  the  Civil  War  with  Company  H,  10th  Pennsyl- 
vania Reserves.  Mr.  Curtis  was  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic  and  belonged  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows.  He  died  in  July,  1923,  and  his  wife  died  in  December,  1922. 
They  were  the  parents  of  seven  children,  as  follows:  Cora,  deceased; 
Anna,  married  I.  C.  Miller,  lives  in  North  Warren,  Pa. ;  Frank,  lives  re- 
tired at  Jamestown,  N.  Y. ;  Clyde,  a  building  contractor,  lives  at  Lake- 
wood,  N.  Y. ;  Dr.  Harrison  A.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Amanda,  de- 
ceased ;  and  Mabel,  married  Dr.  G.  E.  Bennett,  deceased. 

Dr.  Harrison  A.  Curtis  attended  the  public  schools  of  Warren  County 
and  in  1909  completed  his  course  at  the  University  of  Pittsburgh.  He 
then  practiced  his  profession  at  Columbus,  Pa.,  and  in  1910  located  in 
Corry,  where  he  has  established  a  splendid  practice. 

On  June  1,  1904,  Dr.  Curtis  was  married  to  Miss  Grace  E.  Bennett,  of 
Warren,  Pa.,  and  a  daughter  of  G.  W.  and  Ellen  (Brownell)  Bennett.    Mr. 


History  of  Erie  County  981 

Bennett  died  in  1919  and  his  wife  resides  at  Warren,  Pa.  They  had  four 
children:  Dr.  G.  E.,  lives  at  Corry;  Mrs.  Curtis;  Mildred,  the  widow  of 
Dr.  J.  M.  Hodges,  lives  at  Corry;  and  Nellie,  married  Herman  Bur- 
lingame,  connected  with  the  U.  S.  Radiator  Company  at  Corry.  To  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  Curtis  have  been  born  three  children:  George  Nelson,  born  in 
1910,  and  Harrison  Everett,  born  in  1918.    One  child  died  in  infancy. 

Dr.  Curtis  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge  and  the  Elks. 

Wilbur  E.  Wilson,  agent  for  the  Pennsylvania  Gas  Company  at  Corry, 
is  one  of  the  well  known  and  successful  business  men  of  Erie  County. 
He  was  born  at  Wrightsville,  Pa.,  Feb.  8,  1875,  and  is  the  son  of  Robert 
and  Sarah  Jane   (Lopus)  Wilson. 

Robert  Wilson  was  born  at  Pittsfield,  Pa.,  and  was  a  pioneer  lumber 
man  of  Corry,  where  he  settled  many  years  ago.  He  died  in  January, 
1906,  and  his  wife  died  in  March,  1907.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson  were  the 
parents  of  five  children:  Izra,  died  in  infancy;  Ella,  died  Feb.  1,  1921, 
aged  65  years,  was  the  wife  of  L.  C.  Dalrymple ;  Mary,  lives  in  Erie ;  Fred 
DeForest,  died  Aug.  16,  1902,  aged  29  years;  and  Wilbur  E.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch. 

Wilbur  E.  Wilson  received  his  education  in  the  Corry  schools  and 
began  life  as  a  drug  clerk.  He  was  employed  in  the  N.  F.  Ames  &  Co. 
store  for  one  year,  the  R.  C.  Lindsey  store  for  three  years  and  then  was 
connected  with  the  Corry  Chair  Company  for  two  years,  was  with  Corry 
Artesian  Mineral  Water  Company  three  years,  and  the  Ajax  Iron  Works 
for  four  years.  He  then  became  connected  with  the  Prudential  Insur- 
ance Company  in  1904  and  one  year  later,  in  1905,  he  entered  the  employ 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Gas  Company  as  a  bookkeeper.  Since  1913  he  has 
served  as  local  agent. 

On  Sept.  17,  1906,  Mr.  Wilson  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Marie 
Amelia  Dunn,  who  was  born  at  Sheakleyville,  Pa.,  July  25,  1879,  and  the 
daughter  of  Socrates  Adam  and  Sarah  (Richardson)  Dunn,  natives  of 
Pennsylvania,  now  deceased.  Mr.  Dunn  was  a  farmer  in  early  life  and 
later  became  a  road  contractor  and  was  engaged  in  business  with  his 
sons,  Wm.  J.  and  Frank  B.  He  died  in  June,  1899,  and  his  wife  died  in 
January,  1889.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dunn  were  the  parents  of  eight  children, 
as  follows:  William  J.,  deceased,  was  the  builder  of  the  main  sewer  in 
Corry,  having  begun  the  work  in  1891  and  it  was  completed  in  1895; 


982  History  of  Erie  County 

George,  deceased;  Laura,  married  Charles  Ray,  both  deceased;  Hettie  M., 
died  at  the  age  of  29  years;  Charles  P.,  lives  at  Sharon,  Pa.;  Frank  B., 
president  of  the  Dunn  Lug  Brick  Company  of  Conneaut,  Ohio,  and  pres- 
ident of  the  Northeastern  Oil  and  Gas  Company  at  Conneaut;  Mrs.  Wil- 
son; and  Sarah  Elizabeth,  who  died  at  the  age  of  20  years.  Before  her 
marriage  Mrs.  Wilson  was  a  trained  nurse,  having  graduated  from  Roch- 
ester Hospital,  Beaver  County,  Pa.  To  Wilbur  E.  and  Marie  Amelia 
(Dunn)  Wilson  two  children  have  been  born:  Sarah  E.,  born  Dec.  17, 
1907;  and  Frank  DeForest,  born  March  28,  1910,  was  drowned  in  Corry 
reservoir  Sept.  11,  1920. 

Mr.  Wilson  and  his  family  hold  membership  in  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church  and  he  belongs  to  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  He  has 
always  taken  a  commendable  interest  in  public  affairs  and  community 
welfare  and  has  a  wide  acquaintance  in  Erie  County. 

Miss  Marion  Skidmore,  librarian  in  the  Corry  public  library,  ranks 
among  Erie  County's  prominent  women.  She  is  a  native  of  Chautauqua 
County,  N.  Y.,  and  a  daughter  of  Henry  and  Martha  (Eaton)  Skidmore. 

Henry  Skidmore  was  born  in  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.,  and  in  1868 
rem,oved  to  Corry  where  he  served  as  freight  agent  for  the  Erie  railroad 
for  a  number  of  years.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
and  belonged  to  the  Masonic  lodge.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Skidmore  are  deceased. 
They  were  the  parents  of  four  children:  Lillian,  married  Frank  T.  Bab- 
bitt, a  druggist,  hves  in  Erie;  Marion,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Thomas 
J.,  and  Edwin,  both  deceased. 

Marion  Skidmore  received  her  education  in  the  Corry  public  schools. 
She  has  many  friends  and  the  Skidmore  family  is  one  of  the  prominent 
pioneer  families  of  Erie  County. 

George  W.  Patterson,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  insurance 
business  at  Corry,  is  a  native  of  Missouri.  He  was  born  at  Grandby, 
June  21,  1874,  and  is  the  son  of  Robert  A.  and  Amelia  (Bradley)  Patter- 
son. 

Robert  A.  Patterson  was  a  native  of  Scotland  and  his  wife  was  born 
in  England.  When  he  was  12  years  old  he  cani,e  to  America  and  lived 
in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  for  a  number  of  years.  He  was  a  pioneer  in  the  oil 
fields  of  Pennsylvania  and  spent  the  last  30  years  of  his  life  in  Corry. 
He  retired  in  1909  and  is  now  deceased.    To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Patterson  eight 


History  of  Erie  County  983 

children  were  born,  as  follows:  Robert  A.,  engaged  in  the  real  estate 
business  at  Corry;  Charles  H.,  lives  at  Corry;  Clara,  died  at  the  age  of 
20  years;  George  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  James  A.,  lives  at  Corry; 
Rev.  Albert,  lives  at  Miami,  Fla. ;  Edith,  married  Howard  J.  Whitley, 
lives  at  Asbury  Park,  N.  J.;  and  LeRoy,  deceased. 

George  W.  Patterson  grew  up  in  Corry  and  attended  the  public  schools 
there.  He  began  life  as  a  grocery  clerk  and  later  served  as  local  express 
agent  for  four  years.  Since  1920  he  has  been  interested  in  the  insurance 
business  and  has  met  with  marked  success. 

On  July  16,  1904,  Mr.  Patterson  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Katherine  Miller,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  born  July  10,  1874,  and  the 
daughter  of  George  P.  and  Elizabeth  (Windsor)  Miller,  natives  of  Penn- 
sylvania. Mr.  Miller  was  a  Civil  War  veteran  and  died  in  1906.  His 
wife  lives  with  the  Patterson  family.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Miller  the  follow- 
ing children  were  born :  Blanch,  married  Harry  Alexander,  both  deceased ; 
Miranda,  teaches  school  in  Chicago ;  Mrs.  Patterson ;  and  Richard  W., 
deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Patterson  have  one  daughter,  Katherine  G.,  born 
Sept.  8,  1911. 

In  politics  Mr.  Patterson  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  and 
he  and  his  family  hold  membership  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
He  is  known  throughout  the  community  as  an  upright  and  reliable  citizen. 

John  A.  Lanston,  of  Corry,  is  esteemed  throughout  the  community 
as  a  prominent  and  successful  business  man.  He  was  born  in  Corry, 
Oct.  17,  1885,  and  is  the  son  of  Arthur  and  Elizabeth  (Hegrich)  Lanston. 

Arthur  Lanston  settled  in  Corry  in  1884,  where  he  has  become  a  well 
known  ai'tist.  He  and  his  wife  now  live  retired  there.  They  are  the  par- 
ents of  three  children:  John  A.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Pearl,  married 
Charles  Edward  Haskell,  lives  at  Scranton,  Pa. ;  and  Edna,  married  Harry 
Davis,  United  States  Narcotic  Agent,  lives  at  Philadelphia. 

John  A.  Lanston  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Corry  and  in 
1909  engaged  in  the  interior  decorating  business.  He  established  his 
present  business  in  1919.  He  has  an  attractive  shop  at  34  North  Center 
Street,  where  he  deals  in  interior  furnishings.  Mr.  Lanston  has  the  con- 
tract for  the  interior  decorating  of  the  new  CoiTy  Hotel. 

On  June  25,  1913,  Mr.  Lanston  was  married  to  Miss  Lottie  May  Rhoades, 
who  was  born  at  French  Creek,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  27,  1883,  the  daughter  of 
James  and  Emma    (Coe)    Rhoades,  both  deceased.     Mr.   Rhoades  was  a 


984  History  of  Erie  County 

Civil  War  veteran.  There  were  three  children  in  the  Rhoades  family: 
Frank,  lives  in  Minneapolis,  Minn. ;  Dana,  a  farmer,  lives  at  French  Creek, 
N.  Y. ;  and  Mrs.  Lanston.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lanston  have  been  born  two 
children:     Elizabeth,  born  April  26,  1914;  and  Ruth,  born  May  5,  1915. 

Mr.  Lanston  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  Lutheran  church  and 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  and  Elks  lodges. 

Dr.  Elmer  Hess,  a  leader  among  the  younger  and  most  progressive 
physicians  and  surgeons  of  Erie,  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  was 
born  at  Millville,  N.  J.,  May  31,  1889,  and  is  the  son  of  Frederick  and 
Mary  (Theise)  Hess. 

Doctor  Hess  studied  medicine  at  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  from 
which  he  received  his  degree  in  1911.  He  then  was  appointed  a  medical 
officer  in  the  United  States  Indian  Service  and  was  located  in  an  Indian 
reservation  for  one  year.  Since  1912  he  has  practiced  his  profession  in 
Erie,  where  he  located  at  11th  and  Peach  Streets.  In  1914  he  removed 
to  his  present  location  at  501  Commerce  Building.  During  the  years 
1914-15  he  did  post  graduate  work  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania, 
where  he  specialized  in  the  study  of  urology. 

During  the  World  War  Doctor  Hess  volunteered  his  services  and 
was  commissioned  a  first  lieutenant  at  Fort  Oglethorpe,  where  he  re- 
mained until  September,  1917,  when  he  was  sent  overseas  with  the  2nd 
American  Division.  He  participated  in  all  the  engagements  of  this  divi- 
sion, including  Verdun,  Chateau  Thierry,  Pont-a-Mouson  Sector,  Soissons, 
St.  Mihiel,  Champagne,  Argonne,  and  was  a  member  of  the  American 
Army  of  Occupation  in  Germany  from  December,  1918,  until  March,  1919. 
He  was  commissioned  a  captain  of  the  medical  corps  on  Nov.  14,  1918,  and 
was  discharged  from  service  at  Camp  Dix,  April  1,  1919.  His  regi- 
ment as  well  as  himself  was  permitted  to  wear  the  Croix  de  Guerre  as  a 
member  of  the  15  F.  A.,  by  order  of  the  French  Government  No.  165  "F". 
He  has  received  three  personal  citations  from  the  American  Government 
and  an  individual  Croix  de  Guerre,  order  13354,  General  Headquarters  of 
the  French  army  of  the  East.  Doctor  Hess  resumed  his  practice  in  Erie 
in  May,  1919. 

In  1921  Dr.  Hess  was  elected  a  fellow  of  the  American  College  of 
Surgeons  and  the  same  year  was  elected  a  member  of  the  American  Uro- 
logical  Association.  He  is  urologist  of  St.  Vincent's  Hospital,  the  Erie 
Infants'  Home,  and  the  Erie  General  Dispensary.     The  year  1924  was 


DR.    ELMER    HESS 


History  of  Erie  County  985 

spent  in  Europe,  where  Doctor  Hess  did  post  graduate  work  in  leading 
hospitals.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Erie  County  Medical  Society,  the  State 
Medical  Society,  and  a  member  of  the  American  Medical  Association, 
medical  chief  of  the  Erie  Boys  Club,  as  well  as  a  director.  He 
has  been  appointed  a  member  of  the  Penn  Governing  Committee  of  the 
Gorgas  Memorial  Institute.  He  is  a  member  of  Rogers  Israel  Post, 
American  Legion,  Erie,  Pa.  He  was  the  first  commander  and  delegate 
to  the  National  Convention  held  in  1919  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.  He  is  also  an 
honorary  member  of  Paris  Post  No.  1,  American  Legion,  Paris,  France, 
and  the  Girard  Post,  Girard,  Pa.,  and  La  Societe  des  40  Hommes  et  8 
Chevaux  of  Erie  and  is  past  grand  chief. 

On  June  24,  1908,  Doctor  Hess  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Edna  G.  Africa,  the  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Celeste  Africa,  natives  of 
Cumberland,  Md.  They  have  two  daughters,  Remle  Hess,  born  in  1913, 
and  Hope  Hess,  born  in  1918. 

Doctor  Hess  was  the  Republican  nominee  for  mayor  of  Erie  in  1919, 
but  was  defeated  at  the  general  election.  He  is  a  senior  warden  of  the 
Trinity  Memorial  Episcopal  Church  of  Erie  and  belongs  to  the  University 
and  Erie  and  Rotary  Clubs.  Doctor  Hess  has  an  extensive  practice  and 
is  favorably  known  throughout  the  community. 

Carlton  W.  Smith,  manager  of  the  Brownell  Shoe  Company  at  Corry, 
is  among  the  well  known  and  substantial  citizens  of  Erie  County.  He  was 
born  at  New  Castle,  Pa.,  July  3,  1890,  and  is  the  son  of  Henry  C.  and 
EUmear  (Pyle)  Smith. 

Henry  C.  Smith,  deceased,  was  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War.  He  was 
born  in  Lawrence  County,  Pa.,  June  29,  1844.  He  was  a  farmer  during  his 
life  and  met  with  success.  In  1862  he  enlisted  with  Company  H,  134th 
Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry.,  and  the  following  year  was  discharged, 
but  re-enlisted  and  served  with  Company  B,  100th  Pennsylvania  Volun- 
teer Infantry.  He  was  discharged  July  24,  1865,  after  having  taken  part 
in  many  of  the  hardest  fought  battles  of  the  war.  Mr.  Smith  was  a  Re- 
publican and  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Church.  His  father,  H.  D. 
Smith,  also  served  throughout  the  Civil  War.  On  April  6,  1882,  Henry 
C.  Smith  was  married  to  Miss  Ellmear  Pyle,  who  was  born  at  New  Castle, 
Pa.,  March  30,  1849,  the  daughter  of  Isaac  N.  Pyle,  who  served  as  a  cap- 
tain during  the  Civil  War  with  Company  H,  100th  Pennsylvania  Volun- 
teers.   To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  one  child  was  born,  Carlton  W.,  the  subject 


986  History  of  Erie  County 

of  this  sketch.  By  a  second  marriage  Mrs.  Smith  had  three  children: 
Jessie  Minton,  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  at  New  Castle,  Pa. ;  Lenora, 
the  widow  of  Sheridan  Anderson,  lives  at  Sharon,  Pa.;  and  Phoebe 
Amanda,  the  widow  of  Orin  C.  Stimple,  lives  at  New  Castle,  Pa. 

Carlton  W.  Smith  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  New  Castle,  and  also 
attended  New  Castle  Business  College.  He  then  engaged  in  farming  for 
a  short  time,  after  which  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  American  Sheet 
&  Tin  Plate  Company,  where  he  remained  several  years.  He  was  later 
connected  with  the  Driggs  Seabury  Corporation  for  three  years,  and  in 
1910,  became  connected  with  the  Brownell  Shoe  Company,  at  Sharon, 
Pa.  Two  years  later  Mr.  Smith  was  transferred  to  Corry  to  manage  the 
local  store. 

On  Nov.  26,  1913,  Mr.  Smith  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Alice 
May  Sliney,  who  was  born  at  Titusville,  Pa.,  April  14,  1884.  They  have  one 
daughter,  Ellmear,  born  Nov.  8,  1919. 

Mr.  Smith  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  church  and  is 
a  32d  degree  Mason. 

W.  Ed  Marsh,  of  Corry,  is  one  of  the  widely  known  and  successful  at- 
torneys of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  Farmington  Township,  Warren 
County,  Pa.,  Jan.  15,  1851,  and  is  the  son  of  William  S.  and  Rosaville 
(Knapp)  Marsh. 

William  S.  Marsh  was  a  native  of  Warren  County,  Pa.  He  improved 
150  acres  of  land  in  Farmington  Township  and  was  one  of  the  leading 
farmers  and  stockmen  of  that  section.  He  was  a  Republican  and  h.eld 
many  county  and  township  offices.  He  died  Sept.  2,  1902,  and  his  wife, 
who  was  born  in  Boston,  died  in  1911.  They  were  the  parents  of  four 
children:  W.  Ed.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Sherman,  deceased;  Fred 
S.,  a  druggist,  lives  at  Jamestown,  N.  Y. ;  and  Carrie  A.,  deceased. 

W.  Ed  Marsh  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Warren 
County  and  was  graduated  from  Jamestown  College  Institute.  He  began 
the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Corry  in  1879  where  he  has  since  been 
located.  He  served  as  mayor  of  Corry  in  1888  and  as  city  attorney  for 
two  years.     He  was  also  police  justice  for  six  years. 

On  Oct.  1,  1874,  Mr.  Marsh  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  S.  Brown,  a 
native  of  Warren  County,  born  Oct.  20,  1854.  She  died  July  9,  1889.  On 
Oct.  1,  1890,  Mr.  Marsh  was  married  to  Miss  Pearl  E.  Hoffman,  who  was 
born  at  Corry,  May  11,  1869,  the  daughter  of  Philip  and  Mary   (Wells) 


History  of  Erie  County  987 

Hoffman.  Mr.  Hoffman  was  a  Civil  War  veteran  and  died  Jan.  1,  1900. 
His  wife  resides  with  the  Marsh  family.  Mrs.  Marsh  was  their  only 
child.  To  W.  Ed  and  Pearl  E.  (Hoffman)  Marsh  two  children  were  born: 
W.  Lloyd,  born  Jan.  25,  1895;  and  Barrett  H.,  born  Sept.  27,  1902. 

W.  Lloyd  Marsh  was  a  graduate  of  Chamberlain  Military  Institute 
and  during  the  World  War  served  as  a  captain  in  Company  A,  16th  Penn- 
sylvania Regiment.  He  died  while  in  service  on  March  1,  1921,  and  is 
buried  in  Pine  Grove  cemetery,  Corry. 

Barrett  H.  Marsh  is  engaged  in  the  electrical  business  and  resides 
in  Corry.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Maxine  Yarling  and  they  have  one 
child,  Alice  Joan,  born  Sept.  30,  1924. 

W.  Ed  Marsh  is  a  staunch  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Universalist 
Church,  and  past  grand  master  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 
He  is  a  reliable  and  efficient  citizen  of  the  community  and  has  the  esteem 
of  his  fellow  citizens. 

M.  Agnes  Cameron,  who  owns  and  conducts  an  art  shoppe  at  Corry,  is 
among  the  highly  esteemed  and  widely  known  women  of  Erie  County.  She 
was  born  in  New  York,  June  17,  1862,  and  is  a  daughter  of  Maxwell  and 
Permelia  (Simons)  Camei'on. 

Maxwell  Cameron  was  born  at  Hornell,  N.  Y.,  May  6,  1832,  the  son 
of  Dugald  and  Anne  (Taylor)  Cameron.  Dugald  Cameron  was  born  at 
Edinboro,  Scotland,  and  came  to  America  in  1818,  locating  at  Hornell, 
N.  Y.,  where  he  became  an  extensive  land  owner.  He  died  in  1867  and 
his  wife  died  the  previous  year.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  and  donated  the  ground  on  which  the  church  now  stands  at  Hor- 
nell. To  Dugald  and  Anne  (Taylor)  Cameron,  the  following  children 
were  born:  Dugald,  James,  Charles,  Irwin,  Lydia,  married  Hiram  Hagge- 
dorn,  Elizabeth,  married  Ev  Chadwick,  Maxwell,  and  Jane,  all  of  whom 
are  deceased. 

Maxwell  Cameron  came  to  Pennsylvania  in  1864  and  located  at  Corry 
where  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Atlantic  &  Great  Western  Railroad. 
He  was  a  Democrat  and  served  as  justice  of  the  peace  and  tax  collector. 
He  died  May  26,  1907,  and  his  wife  died  May  21,  1917.  On  Aug.  20, 
1855,  Mr.  Cameron  was  married  to  Miss  Permelia  Simons,  who  was  born 
in  New  York,  Aug.  10,  1838,  the  daughter  of  Charles  and  Jane  (Commons) 
Simons,  the  former  a  native  of  Connecticut  and  the  latter  of  England. 
Mr.  Simons  served  as  a  captain  throughout  the  Civil  War  and  died  in 


988  History  of  Erie  County 

1867.  His  wife  died  in  1890.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  following 
children:  Mrs.  Maxwell  Cameron,  Mary,  George,  Matilda,  married  Isaac 
Dey,  Mattie,  William  and  Charles,  all  deceased. 

To  Maxwell  and  Permelia  (Simons)  Cameron  the  following  children 
were  born :  Dugald,  born  May  17,  1857,  died  Sept.  5,  1862 ;  M.  Agnes,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Jennie,  born  July  14,  1871,  married  Fred 
Hoenes,  wholesale  and  retail  confectioner,  lives  at  Corry. 

M.  Agnes  Cameron  was  reared  and  educated  in  Corry  and  has  been  en- 
gaged in  business  there  since  1894. 

Miss  Cameron  is  identified  with  the  Democratic  party  in  politics  and  is 
a  member  of  the  Episcopal  church. 

Vere  E.  Phillips  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War  and  a  prominent  young 
business  man  of  Corry.  He  was  born  at  Lockport,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  1,  1893, 
and  is  the  son  of  Frank  and  Jennie  (Le  Gro)  Phillips. 

Frank  Phillips,  who  now  lives  retired  at  Lockport,  N.  Y.,  is  a  pioneer 
miller  of  that  place.  He  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge.  His  wife  died  June  7,  1914, 
and  is  buried  at  Lockport.  There  were  three  children  in  the  Phillips  fam- 
ily: Howard,  deceased;  Dr.  Ralph,  a  dentist,  lives  in  Detroit,  Mich.;  and 
V.  E.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

V.  E.  Phillips  received  his  education  at  Lockport  and  learned  the  jew- 
elry business  there  also.  In  1914  he  was  graduated  from  the  Philadelphia 
College  of  Horology,  and  spent  the  next  two  years  following  his  profes- 
sion in  South  Carolina.  In  1921  Mr.  Phillips  came  to  Corry  where  he 
purchased  the  jewelry  business  of  James  H.  Wright.  This  is  one  of  Corry's 
oldest  business  houses  and  Mr.  Phillips  has  a  well  established  trade.  He 
carries  a  high  grade  line  of  jewelry,  clocks,  silverware,  etc. 

On  June  7,  1917,  Mr.  Phillips  enlisted  in  the  World  War  from  James- 
town, N.  Y.,  and  served  with  Company  C,  302nd  Field  Signal  Battalion. 
He  was  in  service  until  July,  1919,  and  engaged  in  many  important  battles 
of  the  war,  including  Chateau  Thierry  and  the  Argonne. 

On  Oct.  28,  1915,  Mr.  Phillips  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Elesha 
Metcalf,  who  was  born  at  Lockport,  N.  Y.,  April  7,  1893.  They  have  no 
children. 

Politically  Mr.  Phillips  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Presby- 
terian church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge.  He  is  a  public  spirited 
and  progressive  young  man  and  has  many  friends  and  acquaintances. 


History  of  Erie  County  989 

David  A.  Hillstrom,  who  is  connected  with  the  Corry-Janiestown  Manu- 
facturing Corporation  as  secretary  and  general  manager,  is  among  the 
prominent  and  successful  business  men  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in 
Sweden,  Feb.  3,  1877. 

Mr.  Hillstrom  received  his  education  in  his  native  land  and  also  attend- 
ed technical  schools  in  this  country,  having  come  here  in  1900.  He  settled 
in  Chicago  but  seven  years  later  removed  to  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  where  he 
becam(e  manager  of  the  Jamestown  and  Watson  Mfg.  Company.  In  De- 
cember, 1920,  Mr.  Hillstrom  organized  the  Corry-Jamestown  Manufac- 
turing Corporation.  The  Company  also  has  offices  in  Chicago  and  New 
York  and  representatives  throughout  the  United  States  as  well  as  in 
Europe.  The  officers  of  the  Company  are:  0.  R.  Hillstrom,  president; 
Charles  A.  Anderson,  vice-president;  H.  H.  Keppel,  treasurer,  and  David 
A.  Hillstrom,  secretary  and  general  manager. 

The  Corry-Jamestown  Manufacturing  Corporation  manufactures  steel 
office  furniture,  filing  cases,  etc.  They  also  specialize  in  built  to  order 
steel  furniture  of  every  description.  An  addition  to  the  factory,  costing 
$125,000,  is  now  under  construction. 

On  June  23,  1909,  Mr.  Hillstrom  was  married  to  Miss  Clara  Swanlund, 
a  native  of  Princeton,  111.  They  have  three  children:  Armour,  born  at 
Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  in  1916;  Clare,  born  at  Corry,  in  1920;  and  Mary 
Helene,  born  at  Corry  in  1922. 

In  politics  Mr.  Hillstrom  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He 
is  president  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  a  member  of  the  school  board 
and  the  local  hospital  board.  Mr.  Hillstrom  belongs  to  St.  Paul's  Lutheran 
Church  and  is  among  the  leading  and  representative  citizens  of  his  com- 
munity. 

Frank  L.  Weeks,  a  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  business  man  of 
Corry,  is  a  native  of  Ohio.  He  was  born  at  Painesville,  Oct.  21,  1857, 
and  is  a  son  of  Seth  and  Debra  (Blydenburg)  Weeks. 

Seth  Weeks  was  a  native  of  Long  Island  and  at  an  early  date  removed 
to  Painesville,  Ohio.  In  1866  he  located  at  Corry  where  he  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life.  Mr.  Weeks  served  throughout  the  Civil  War  with 
the  105th  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  was  a  Republican,  a  member  of 
the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  and  belonged  to  the  Universalist  church. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Weeks  the  following  children  were  born:  William,  de- 
ceased; Dr.  John  E.,  an  eye,  ear  and  throat  specialist,  lives  in  New  York 


990  History  of  Erie  County 

city;  Frank  L.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  C.  E.,  lives  retired  at  Corry; 
Albert,  deceased;  Harry  L.,  deceased;  and  Mary  Debra,  the  widow  of 
Chapin  Paddock. 

Frank  L.  Weeks  grew  up  in  Corry  and  attended  the  schools  there. 
When  a  boy  of  eleven  years  he  began  learning  the  painter's  trade  and 
since  1889  has  owned  a  shop  at  Corry.  Mr.  Weeks  is  a  decorating  and 
painting  contractor  and  during  his  long  period  of  service  in  Corry  has 
established  a  fine  business. 

On  Jan.  16,  1874,  Mr.  Weeks  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Cook,  a 
native  of  Panama,  N.  Y.,  and  the  daughter  of  Ebenezer  Cook,  who  was 
a  prominent  citizen  and  politician  of  that  section  of  New  York.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Weeks  were  born  four  children,  as  follows:  Minnie,  married 
Frank  Bogart,  insurance,  Warren,  Pa. ;  Hazel  D.,  at  home ;  Dr.  Webb  W., 
who  practices  his  profession  in  New  York  city,  mention  of  whom  is  made 
below;  and  Margaret,  married  Richard  G.  Dawson,  wholesale  grocer,  lives 
at  Erie.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Weeks  have  six  grand-children. 

Dr.  Webb  W.  Weeks  is  a  veteran  of  the  World  War.  He  enlisted  at 
Bellevue,  N.  Y.,  as  a  first  lieutenant,  and  served  throughout  the  war  in 
the  mjedical  corps.  He  spent  14  months  in  France  and  at  the  time  of  his 
discharge  had  received  the  rank  of  major. 

Mr.  Weeks  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  and  Elks  lodges.  He  is  known  for  his  integrity 
and  his  family  is  among  the  representative  citizens  of  Erie  County. 

Milton  Spaulding  is  a  progressive  young  business  man  of  Erie  County. 
He  is  the  authorized  Ford  dealer  of  Corry.  He  was  born  at  Keetsville, 
Pa.,  June  17,  1894,  and  is  the  son  of  Ira  and  Caroline  (Campbell)  Spauld- 
ing. 

Ira  Spaulding,  who  now  lives  retired  at  Ashtabula,  Ohio,  is  a  native 
of  Albion,  Pa.  He  was  employed  by  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  as  a  car- 
penter for  many  years.  He  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 
His  wife  died  Aug.  1,  1921.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Spaulding  were  the  parents 
of  the  following  children:  Rex,  died  at  the  age  of  11  years;  Milton,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch;  Cecil,  lives  at  Hubbard,  Ohio;  and  Sherman,  at 
home. 

Milton  Spaulding  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Ashta- 
bula and  began  life  as  a  railroader,  being  in  the  employ  of  the  Bessemer 


History  of  Erie  County  991 

Railroad  for  six  years.  Since  August,  1920,  lie  has  had  the  Ford  agency 
at  Corry.  He  has  an  attractive  salesroom  and  one  of  the  up  to  date  gar- 
ages of  the  community.  He  handles  accessories  and  does  general  repair 
work.  There  is  also  a  gasoline  and  oil  service  station  in  connection  with 
the  business. 

On  Nov.  11,  1918,  Mr.  Spaulding  was  married  to  Miss  Mabel  Forbes, 
a  native  of  Albion,  Pa.,  born  May  8,  1899,  and  a  daughter  of  C.  R.  and 
Olive  (Randall)  Forbes,  residents  of  Albion,  and  the  parents  of  the  fol- 
lowing children:  Jay,  was  killed  in  a  railroad  accident;  Ray,  mention  of 
whom  is  made  below;  and  Mrs.  Spaulding.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Spaulding 
one  child  has  been  born,  Lillian,  born  Aug.  1,  1920. 

Ray  Forbes  met  a  tragic  death  on  Aug.  17,  1920,  while  driving  a  Ford- 
son  tractor.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  had  the  Ford  agency  at  Corry, 
which  is  now  operated  by  Mr.  Spaulding.  Mr.  Forbes  was  a  World  War 
veteran,  having  served  overseas  as  a  first  sergeant. 

Mr.  Spaulding  is  a  Republican,  and  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal church. 

Thomas  Jensen,  a  substantial  business  man  of  Corry,  is  a  native  of 
Denmark,  born  Nov.  26,  1850,  and  the  son  of  Jonas  and  Jane  (Bestid) 
Jensen,  natives  of  Denmark  and  both  now  deceased.  There  were  two  chil- 
dren in  the  Jensen  family:  Thomas,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Jonas, 
deceased. 

Thomjas  Jensen  was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  land  and  in  1881 
came  to  America.  He  located  at  Corry,  where  he  received  employment 
in  a  tannery.  Later  he  was  a  stone  cutter  and  worked  on  the  erection 
of  the  local  Presbyterian  church.  Mr.  Jensen  has  been  engaged  at  his 
present  work  as  building  contractor  since  1899.  He  has  erected  a  number 
of  residences  in  Corry  and  is  well  known  throughout  the  county. 

On  Nov.  6,  1874,  Mr.  Jensen  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Dorothy 
Worm,  a  native  of  Denmark,  born  March  4,  1854,  and  the  daughter  of 
Henry  Worm,  a  pioneer  settler  of  Corry,  where  he  died  in  1909.  There 
were  five  children  in  the  Worm  family,  as  follows:  John  B.,  lives  at 
Hamilton,  Ohio;  Mrs.  Jensen;  Hanna,  died  in  1922;  Jacob,  lives  in  Den- 
mark and  is  engaged  in  the  creamery  business;  and  Charlotte,  married 
Jonas  Jensen,  deceased,  and  later  married  M.  Robertson,  lives  at  Warren, 
Pa.  To  Thomas  and  Dorothy  (Worm)  Jensen  nine  children  have  been 
born,  as  follows:  Henry,  born  in  Denmark,  lives  at  Erie;  Theodore,  born 


992  History  of  Erie  County 

in  Denmark,  has  lived  in  Florida  since  1915;  John,  born  at  Corry,  civil 
engineer,  lives  at  Bridgeport,  Conn.;  Joseph,  lives  at  Jamestown,  N.  Y. ; 
Hanna,  married  Rev.  W.  Montgomery,  lives  in  Syracuse,  N.  Y. ;  Lena, 
married  Marshall  Merrick,  lives  at  Erie;  and  the  other  three  children  are 
deceased.  On  Nov.  6,  1924,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jensen  celebrated  their  golden 
wedding  anniversary.  They  have  13  grandchildren  and  one  great  grand- 
child.   The  Jensen  home  is  located  at  322  East  Street. 

Mr.  Jensen  is  a  Republican  and  a  member  of  the  Christian  Alliance 
Church,  of  which  he  is  a  deacon,  chairmjan  of  the  board  of  trustees  and 
treasurer.  He  is  an  energetic  man  who  stands  well  in  the  esteem  of  his 
many  friends  and  acquaintances. 

A.  M.  Thomas,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  milling  business 
at  Westminster,  is  a  member  of  one  of  Erie  County's  oldest  families.  He 
was  born  in  Mill  Creek  Township,  Erie  County,  Nov.  7,  1858,  and  is  the 
son  of  Christian  and  Nancy  (Miller)  Thomas. 

Christian  Thomas  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Pa.,  in  1817,  the 
the  son  of  Christian  Thomas,  who  brought  his  family  to  Mill  Creek  Town- 
ship in  1833.  They  settled  on  a  farm  of  200  acres,  which  was  owned  by 
the  Thomas  heirs  until  1914,  when  they  sold  the  place.  Christian 
Thomas,  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  learned  the  wheel  wright 
trade,  making  spinning  wheels"  for  flax  and  wool  and  sold  them  to  the 
early  settlers.  He  later  engaged  in  the  inilling  business  and  in  his  last 
active  years  was  a  miller.  Mr.  Thomas  died  in  1896  and  his  wife  died  in 
1886.  She  was  also  a  native  of  Lancaster  County,  Pa.,  and  settled  in  Erie 
County  with  her  parents  in  1827.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thomas  were  born 
four  children:  Sarah  Ann,  deceased;  Mary  Jane,  deceased;  L.  C,  lives 
in  Louisiana;  and  A.  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

A.  M.  Thomas  was  reared  and  educated  in  Mill  Creek  Township  and 
began  life  as  a  farmer.  In  1914  he  purchased  the  mill  from  the  Pure 
Food  Canning  Company,  which  he  operated  until  1920.  He  then  was 
appointed  manager  of  the  Girard  Canning  Company  of  Girard,  Pa.,  and 
two  years  later  returned  to  his  farm.  In  1923  Mr.  Thomas  again  pur- 
chased the  mill  from  P.  M.  Nelson.  He  deals  in  flour,  feed,  coal  and 
cement,  and  does  a  large  volume  of  business  throughout  the  county. 

On  Jan.  1,  1880,  Mr.  Thomas  was  married  to  Miss  Katie  L.  Schu- 
macker,  Fairview,  Pa.,  the  daughter  of  John  and  Catherine  (Gornfloe) 
Schumacker,  both  deceased.     Mr,  and  Mrs.  Thomas  have  a  son.  Burton 


A.    M.    THdilAt 


History  of  Erie  County  993 

E.,  who  is  engaged  in  the  milling  business  with  his  father.  He  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Nettie  Mae  Bi-own,  of  Mill  Creek  Township,  and  they  have 
three  children,  Ethel  Mae,  Jeanette,  and  Amos  Richard. 

Mr.  Thomas  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of 
Asbury,  Pa.,  and  he  has  served  as  Sunday  School  superintendent  for  16 
years.  He  is  a  progressive  and  enterprising  citizen  and  the  Thomas 
family  are  representative  people  of  Erie  County. 

Oliver  Casler,  retired,  is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War  and  a  highly  es- 
teemed citizen  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Sherman,  N.  Y.,  July  10, 
1845,  and  is  the  son  of  Abraham  and  Maria  (Clute)  Casler. 

Abraham  Casler  was  born  in  Montgomery  County,  N.  Y.,  July  16,  1800, 
and  in  1833  removed  to  Sherman,  where  he  improved  125  acres  of  land 
and  became  a  successful  farmer  and  stockman.  He  died  Feb.  21,  1852; 
his  wife  was  born  in  1804  and  died  Oct.  28,  1894.  They  were  the  parents 
of  the  following  children :  Ellen,  married  Robert  Wallace,  deceased ;  Abra- 
ham, deceased;  Matilda,  married  Henry  Bowen,  who  was  killed  during 
the  Civil  War,  and  she  is  deceased;  Robert,  deceased;  Peter,  a  Civil  War 
veteran,  now  lives  retired  at  Sherman,  N.  Y. ;  John,  a  Civil  War  veteran, 
died  in  1902,  in  Michigan;  Jacob,  a  Civil  War  veteran,  deceased;  Oliver, 
the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Rachel,  married  Francis  Ellis,  both  de- 
ceased. 

Oliver  Casler  received  his  education  in  a  log  school  house  at  Waite's 
Corners,  near  Sherman,  N.  Y.  At  the  age  of  16  years  he  was  employed 
as  a  farm  hand  and  earned  four  dollars  per  month.  When  he  was  18  years 
of  age,  Mr.  Casler  enlisted  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  in  the  124th  Ohio  Volunteer 
Infantry  and  16  days  after  his  enlistment  took  part  in  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga,  in  which  he  was  wounded.  He  later  took  part  in  the  battle 
of  Missionary  Ridge,  and  many  other  important  battles  and  skirmishes 
of  the  war.  He  was  discharged  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  in  1865.  Mr.  Casler 
then  went  to  Warren  County,  Pa.,  where  he  operated  a  saw  mill.  He  later 
engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising  and  became  an  extensive  grain 
farmer.     In  1918  he  removed  to  Corry  where  he  now  resides. 

On  June  10,  1866,  Mr.  Casler  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Emma 
Carrier,  a  native  of  Warren  County,  Pa.,  born  April  18,  1848,  and  a  daugh- 
ter of  George  and  Julia  (Carley)  Carrier,  who  were  the  parents  of  the 
following  children:  Burton;  Ella,  the  widow  of  George  Morrison,  lives  at 
Waterf  ord,  Pa. ;  Eva,  deceased ;  Byron,  hves  in  Erie  County ;  and  Mrs. 
(63) 


994  History  of  Erie  County 

Casler.  To  Oliver  and  Emma  (Carrier)  Casler  were  born  five  children, 
as  follows:    George  Abraham,  died  in  infancy;  William  H.,  born  Feb.  18, 

1869,  a  building  contractor,  lives  in  Corry;  Rachael  May,  born  Dec.  26, 

1870,  married  Charles  De  Jens,  and  she  died  in  1921 ;  Mira,  born  May  24, 
1875,  married  Frank  Swartz,  lives  in  Warren  County,  Pa. ;  and  Leona, 
born  March  1,  1883,  married  Jay  Richerson,  grocer,  lives  at  Corry.  Mr. 
Casler  has  seven  grandchildren  and  four  great  grandchildren. 

In  politics  Mr.  Casler  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republis.  This  post  was  organized 
July  1,  1867,  and  has  never  missed  holding  a  regular  meeting  and  the  last 
meeting  was  the  3001st. 

Charles  L.  Mather,  now  living  retired  at  Corry,  is  one  of  the  oldest 
pioneer  citizens  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  Chatauqua  County,  N.  Y., 
Sept.  2,  1831,  and  is  the  son  of  Francis  W.  and  Mary  (Tillottson)  Mather. 

Francis  W.  Mather  was  a  native  of  New  London,  Conn.,  and  the  son 
of  Nathaniel  Mather,  who  served  throughout  the  Revolutionary  War.  At 
an  early  age  Francis  W.  Mather  removed  to  Chatauqua  County,  N.  Y., 
where  he  engaged  in  general  farming  and  stock  raising.  He  was  also  a 
carpenter  and  built  several  saw  mills  in  that  county.  He  died  Dec.  29, 
1870,  and  his  wife,  a  native  of  Chenango  County,  N.  Y.,  died  Feb.  18,  1894. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mather  had  three  children:  Nathaniel  Oliver,  deceased; 
Charles  L.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch ;  and  George  A.,  lives  retired  on  the 
old  homestead  in  Chatauqua  County. 

Charles  L.  Mather  attended  school  in  a  log  school  house  and  when  a 
boy  learned  the  carpenter's  trade  with  his  father.  He  later  became  a 
railroad  carpenter  in  the  employ  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  and  in  1848 
removed  to  Pennsylvania,  locating  at  Crossingville,  Crawford  County.  In 
1861  he  removed  to  Corry  and  in  1876  to  Oil  City,  Pa.  However,  in  1879 
he  returned  to  Corry  and  has  since  resided  at  332  West  Washington 
Street. 

On  March  29,  1857,  Mr.  Mather  was  united  in  marriage  with  Catherine 
Nash  of  Crossingville,  Pa.,  born  Sept.  3,  1835,  and  the  daughter  of  Michael 
and  Mary  (Callahan)  Nash,  natives  of  Ireland  and  early  settlers  of  Penn- 
sylvania. Mrs.  Mather  died  Sept.  5,  1906,  and  is  buried  in  St.  Eliza- 
beth's cemetery,  Corry.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mather  the  following  children 
were  born :  Margaret  Maria,  lives  in  Chicago,  where  she  is  assistant  super- 
intendent of  the  Scanlon  schools ;  Eleanor,  the  widow  of  R.  F.  Livermore, 


History  of  Erie  County  995 

lives  in  Corry;  Una,  married  C.  F.  Cronin,  lives  in  Chicago,  and  they  have 
a  son,  C.  F.  Cronin,  Jr. ;  and  M.  Lena,  a  school  teacher,  resides  in  Corry 
with  her  father. 

Mr.  Mather  is  a  staunch  Republican  and  has  been  a  member  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  since  he  was  21  years  old.  He  is  well 
known  and  highly  respected  throughout  the  community,  where  he  has 
spent  so  many  years. 

Jacob  Franz,  retired,  has  for  many  years  been  a  prominent  and  suc- 
cessful business  man  of  Corry.  He  was  born  in  Germany,  Oct.  16,  1840, 
and  is  the  son  of  Casper  and  Barbara  (Alberstadt)  Franz. 

Casper  Franz  was  born  in  Germany  in  1811  and  died  in  1843.  His 
wife  was  born  in  Germany,  Sept.  7,  1813,  and  died  in  1890.  They  were 
the  parents  of  three  children:  Fred,  lives  in  Erie;  Jacob,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch;  and  Catherine,  the  widow  of  James  Carney,  lives  in  Erie. 

Jacob  Franz  came  to  America  from  his  native  land  in  1852  and  located 
in  Erie,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  of  cabinet  maker.  Nov.  12,  1862, 
he  located  at  Corry  where  he  engaged  in  the  undertaking  and -furniture 
business.  He  is  one  of  Erie  County's  pioneer  furniture  dealers  and  was 
actively  engaged  in  business  until  1911.  The  Franz  Furniture  Company 
is  now  conducted  by  his  sons. 

On  Oct.  11,  1870,  Mr.  Franz  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Theresa 
Barron,  a  native  of  Erie  County,  born  March  16,  1851,  and  the  daughter 
of  Valentine  and  Margaret  (Hepburn)  Barron,  natives  of  Germany,  who 
settled  in  Erie  County  in  1835.  There  were  seven  children  in  the  Barron 
family  as  follows :  Jane,  married  William  Pepper,  both  deceased ;  Anthony, 
deceased;  Peter  Jacob,  lives  retired  at  Fairview,  Pa.;  Thomas;  Mrs.  Franz; 
Margaret,  the  widow  of  Edward  McLaughlin;  and  William,  lives  at  Mc- 
Kane,  Pa.  To  Jacob  and  Theresa  (Barron)  Franz  were  born  four  chil- 
dren, as  follows:  Jennie  Margaret,  born  Oct.  24,  1871,  married  Joseph 
Speisman,  lives  at  Corry;  Casper  Frederick,  born  Jan.  17,  1874,  engaged 
in  the  furniture  business  at  Corry;  Leo  T.,  born  May  4,  1882,  has  been 
employed  in  the  postofRce  at  Corry  for  22  years;  and  Leonard  H.,  born 
June  9,  1887,  also  engaged  in  the  furniture  business  at  Corry.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Franz  have  nine  grandchildren. 

Mr.  Franz  is  a  Democrat  and  served  as  a  member  of  the  council  for 
nine  years.  He  and  his  family  hold  membership  in  the  Catholic  church 
and  are  well  and  favorably  known  in  Erie  County. 


996  History  of  Erie  County 

Guy  S.  Riley  ranks  among  the  enterprising  and  successful  business 
men  of  Corry,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  electrical  business.  He  was 
born  at  Springville,  N.  Y.,  in  1885,  and  is  the  son  of  William  and  Jennie 
(Sherman)  Riley. 

William,  Riley  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  an  early  settler  of 
Cleveland.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Riley,  deceased,  were  the  parents  of  the  fol- 
lowing children:  Guy  S.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Clinton  and  Lawrence, 
who  were  reared  in  a  Cleveland  orphanage  and  later  adopted  by  families 
in  that  city.  Mr.  Riley  has  been  searching  for  these  brothers  for  a 
number  of  years,  but  thus  far  has  been  unable  to  locate  them.  A  sister, 
Hazel,  died  in  infancy. 

Guy  S.  Riley  received  his  education  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  when  a  boy 
manifested  great  interest  in  electrical  work.  He  followed  this  trade  in 
Albany  and  Buffalo  for  several  years  and  in  May,  1924,  located  at  Corry, 
where  he  and  his  wife  conduct  an  up-to-date  electrical  store.  They 
handle  radios  and  supplies  and  Mr.  Riley  does  general  electrical  work. 
The  business  is  known  as  Riley  &  Riley  and  is  located  on  Center  Street. 

In  1918  Mr.  Riley  was  married  to  Miss  Gladys  lona  Mumford,  a  native 
of  New  York,  born  Dec.  6,  1901,  and  the  daughter  of  Otto  and  Martha 
(Kepphardt)  Mumford.  Mr.  Mumford  lives  in  Buffalo.  His  wife  died  in 
1904.  They  were  the  parents  of  two  children :  Mrs.  Riley ;  and  Norma  who 
lives  in  Buffalo.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Riley  have  been  born  three  children: 
Guy  S.,  Jr.,  born  May  9,  1919;  Dorothy,  born  in  1921;  and  Clinton  L., 
born  in  1924. 

In  politics  Mr.  Riley  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He  and 
his  wife  stand  high  in  the  community  and  already  have  a  wide  circle  of 
friends. 

Walter  H.  Merrick,  who  has  the  agency  for  the  Studebaker  Corpora- 
tion at  Corry,  is  among  Erie  County's  most  substantial  and  enterprising 
citizens.  He  was  born  at  Shamburg,  Pa.,  April  23,  1877,  and  is  the  son  of 
Austin  W.  and  Mary   (Haynes)   Merrick. 

Austin  W.  Merrick,  deceased,  was  a  Civil  War  veteran,  having  served 
with  the  111th  Pennsylvania  V.  I.,  and  was  a  prominent  citizen  of  Corry, 
Pa.  He  was  born  in  Pleasantville,  Pa.,  and  for  a  number  of  years  was  a 
well-known  oil  operator  in  that  section.  After  removing  to  Shamburg, 
he  served  as  postmaster  for  a  number  of  years.  He  was  a  life-long  Repub- 
lican and  a  member  of  the  G.  A.  R.    He  died  March  11,  1916.     His  wife 


History  of  Erie  County  997 

died  March  8,  1909.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Merrick  had  five  children;  Grace,  de- 
ceased; Walter  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Nellie  A.,  and  Elizabeth, 
both  at  home ;  and  Marshall  R.,  living  at  Erie. 

Walter  H.  Merrick  attended  the  public  schools  of  Corry  and  when  a 
young  man  engaged  in  the  milling  business  with  his  father,  later  pur- 
chasing the  business.  In  1912  he  became  the  local  distributor  for  the 
Studebaker  line.  He  has  an  up-to-date  salesroom  and  a  modern,  well 
equipped  garage,  in  connection  with  carrying  a  complete  line  of  automo- 
bile accessories,  and  renders  exclusive  service  to  Studebaker  owners,  far 
and  near. 

August  24,  1911,  Mr.  Merrick  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Helen 
E.  Spiesm;an,  a  native  of  Corry,  born  on  Jan.  18,  1888,  the  daughter  of 
Joseph  and  Catherine  (Kneib)  Spiesman;  the  former  a  native  of  Germany, 
and  the  latter  of  Erie. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Merrick  have  three  children;  Helen  Grace,  born  May 
20,  1913;  John  A.,  born  May  3,  1916;  and  William  R.  Born  June  3,  1919. 

Mr.  Merrick  is  a  Republican;  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  church,  be- 
longs to  the  Masonic  Lodge;  the  Chamber  of  Commerce;  Kiwanis  Club; 
and  other  local  organizations. 

George  NoUanger,  who  now  lives  retired  at  Corry,  is  among  the  inter- 
esting pioneers  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  France,  Sept.  29,  1829, 
and  is  the  son  of  David  and  Mary  (Higley)  Nollanger. 

David  Nollanger  was  a  native  of  France  and  an  early  settler  of  New 
York.  He  removed  to  Corry  at  an  early  date,  but  later  lived  at  Warren, 
Pa.,  where  he  died.  There  were  three  children  in  the  Nollanger  family: 
George,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Joseph  and  Anthony,  both  deceased. 

George  Nollanger  came  to  America  on  June  11,  1852,  and  ten  years 
later  came  to  Corry,  where  he  established  the  first  barber  shop.  His  shop 
was  located  on  the  present  site  of  the  Citizens  National  Bank  and  was 
among  the  first  business  places  of  the  town.  Mr.  Nollanger  retired  from 
business  in  1899,  and  has  since  lived  retired.  Among  his  well  known 
customers  of  the  early  days  he  remembers  P.  T.  Barnum,  the  famous 
circus  man.  The  first  man  that  Mr.  Nollanger  shaved  in  Erie  County  was 
James  Patterson,  in  a  saloon. 

On  Oct.  24,  1865,  Mr.  Nollanger  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Mary  Burres,  who  was  born  in  Switzerland,  Feb.  18,  1841,  and  the  daugh- 
ter of  Ewing  and  Mary  Burres,  early  settlers  of  Geneva,  N.  Y.     There 


998  History  of  Erie  County 

were  three  children  in  their  family:  Elizabeth,  died  in  1921;  Mrs.  Nol- 
langer;  and  Ida,  deceased.  To  George  and  Mary  (Burres)  Nollanger  eight 
children  were  born,  as  follows:  Valentine,  lives  at  Corry;  Ida,  married 
Charles  Henryetta,  lives  at  Meadville,  Pa.;  Joseph,  Hves  in  Chicago; 
Elouise,  lives  at  Westfield,  Pa.;  Anna,  deceased;  George,  engaged  in  the 
wallpaper  business  at  Erie;  Leo,  Hves  at  Franklin,  Pa.;  and  Arthur,  de- 
ceased.   Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nollanger  have  five  grandchildren. 

Mr.  Nollanger  is  a  staunch  Democrat  and  a  member  of  St.  Elizabeth's 
Catholic  Church.  He  is  a  citizen  who  holds  the  high  regard  of  the  entire 
community. 

Emmett  M.  Putman  is  a  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  citizen  of 
Erie  County.  He  is  engaged  in  the  milling  business  at  Corry.  Mr.  Put- 
m»^n  was  born  in  Warren,  Pa.,  Sept.  17,  1850,  and  is  a  son  of  Valentine 
and  Martha  (Mackres)  Putman. 

Valentine  Putman  was  a  native  of  Boston,  Mass.,  and  the  son  of  Edson 
Putman,  who  was  among  the  first  settlers  of  Pennsylvania.  Valentine 
Putman  engaged  in  dairy  farming  during  his  life  and  moved  to  Corry  at 
the  time  it  was  settled.  His  wife  was  a  native  of  Vermont.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Putman  the  following  children  were  born:  Emmett  M.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch ;  Edson  and  Albert,  both  deceased ;  Alice,  married  Charles 
Ripley,  and  they  are  both  deceased;  Winifred,  the  widow  of  Albert  John- 
son, lives  at  Spring  Creek,  Pa. ;  Grant,  deceased ;  and  Willianx,  lives  at 
Jamestown,  N.  Y. 

Emmett  M.  Putman  received  his  education  in  a  log  school  house  and 
began  life  as  a  teacher  at  Corry,  after  having  attended  Chamberlain  In- 
stitute at  Randolph,  N.  Y.  After  four  years  he  became  associated  with 
a  local  milling  concern,  owned  by  Aaron  W.  Francis.  In  1896  he  pur- 
chased a  half  interest  in  the  mill  and  ten  years  later  became  sole  owner. 
Mr.  Putman  is  one  of  the  leading  millers  of  this  section  and  ships  his 
products  all  over  the  country.  He  has  been  interested  in  this  business 
for  53  years. 

On  Feb.  17,  1874,  Mr.  Putman  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Lucina 
Pierce,  a  native  of  North  East,  Pa.,  born  Aug.  13,  1847,  and  the  daughter 
of  Arnold  Y.  and  Wealthy  (Austin)  Pierce,  the  former  a  native  of  Con- 
necticut and  the  latter  of  Canada.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pierce  the  follow- 
ing children  were  born:  Delphine,  married  John  Higgins,  deceased,  and 
she  resides  at  North  East,  Pa. ;  Byron,  a  Civil  War  volunteer,  who  was 


History  of  Erie  County  999 

killed  dui'ing  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg;  Sylvador,  deceased,  was  a 
Civil  War  veteran;  Mrs.  Putman;  and  Ephriam,  deceased.  To  Emmett 
M.  and  Lucina  (Pierce)  Putman  one  daughter  was  born,  Cora,  born  Nov. 
30,  1878,  was  married  on  June  20,  1904,  to  William  Parker,  who  is  en- 
gaged in  the  milling  business  at  Columbus,  Pa.  They  have  two  children: 
Esther,  born  in  1909;  and  Emmett,  born  in  1913. 

Mr.  Putman  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  church  and 
belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  has  always  been 
an  energetic  man  who  stands  well  in  the  esteem  of  his  neighbors  and  fel- 
low citizens. 

Ellis  E.  Harvey,  a  well  known  business  man  of  Corry  and  substantial 
citizen  of  Erie  County,  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  born  in  Wayne 
Township,  Erie  County,  March  10,  1884,  and  is  the  son  of  Edward  James 
and  Emma  (Fitch)  Harvey. 

Edward  James  Harvey,  a  leading  agriculturist  of  Wayne  Township,  is 
the  son  of  James  H.  Harvey,  who  came  to  this  country  from  England 
and  settled  here  during  the  early  days.  Mr.  Harvey  owns  and  operates 
150  acres  of  land  on  the  state  road  in  Wayne  Township,  and  is  an  ex- 
tensive grain  farmer  and  stockman.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Christian 
church  and  has  served  as  Sunday  School  superintendent  for  a  number  of 
years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harvey  were  born  eight  children,  as  follows: 
Grace,  married  E.  P.  Waltz,  lives  in  Wayne  Township;  Gertrude  J.,  mar- 
ried Alton  Crosscut,  lives  in  Wheelock  Township;  Ellis  E.,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch;  Frank,  a  teacher,  lives  in  Wayne  Township;  Iva,  married 
Merrill  Waters,  lives  at  Clymer,  N.  Y. ;  Paul,  lives  at  Wheelock,  Pa. ;  Flor- 
ence, married  Hobart  Herline;  and  Carlisle,  a  veteran  of  the  World  War, 
connected  with  the  Metropolitan  Life  Insurance  Company,  at  Toledo,  Ohio. 

Ellis  E.  Harvey  attended  the  schools  of  Wayne  Township,  and  when  a 
young  man  became  associated  with  H.  W.  Parmalee,  cement  contractor, 
of  Corry.  In  1904  he  purchased  the  business,  which  he  has  since  con- 
ducted in  a  successful  manner. 

On  Dec.  25,  1905,  Mr.  Harvey  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  Spencer, 
a  native  of  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  born  Oct.  10,  1888,  and  the  daughter 
of  E.  0.  and  Electa  (Miller)  Spencer,  residents  of  Wayne  Township,  and 
the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Alton  C,  lives  in  California;  May, 
married  Marshall  Miller,  lives  at  Spartansburg,  Pa.;  LaVerne,  lives  at 
Seattle,  Wash. ;  Lulu,  at  home ;  Edith,  married  George  Conright,  lives  at 


1000  History  of  Erie  County 

Corry;  Mrs.  Harvey;  Lillian,  married  Ray  Holley,  lives  at  Corry;  and 
LeRoy,  lives  at  Rochester,  N.  Y.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harvey  have  been  born 
two  children:  Edward,  born  May  7,  1907,  and  Max  H.,  born  April  20,  1912. 
Politically  Mr.  Harvey  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Chris- 
tian Missionary  Alliance  Church,  of  which  he  is  trustee  and  treasurer. 

Morris  Schaffner,  of  Schaffner  Brothers  Company,  proprietors  of  the 
largest  meat  packing  house  in  northwestern  Pennsylvania,  is  among  Erie's 
representative  and  successful  business  men.  He  was  born  at  Hessen,  Ger- 
many, Nov.  28,  1866,  and  is  the  son  of  Henry  and  Regina  (Sedel)  Schaff- 
ner. The  father,  who  was  a  butcher  died  in  the  old  country  in  1893  at 
the  age  of  56  years,  and  in  1898  the  mother  came  to  Erie  to  reside,  where 
she  died  in  1912. 

In  1881,  as  a  boy  of  14  years,  Morris  Schaifner  came  to  this  country 
alone,  joined  some  friends  in  Cleveland,  and  two  years  later  opened  a  small 
butcher  shop.  In  1884  his  brother  Jacob  emigrated  to  the  United  States 
and  the  two  became  associated  in  Cleveland  under  the  name  of  Schaffner 
Brothers.  In  January,  1887,  they  moved  their  business  to  Erie,  opening 
a  retail  and  wholesale  store  at  1327  Peach  Street.  In  1888  they  com- 
menced to  devote  themselves  exclusively  to  the  wholesale  trade,  and  in 
1906  they  purchased  an  entire  block  on  East  15th  Street,  breaking  ground 
for  the  erection  of  the  great  plant  which  they  now  occupy.  The  most 
approved  methods  of  artificial  refrigeration  are  in  use,  the  cellars  and 
coolers  giving  ample  assurance  that  all  meat  products  will  be  handled 
with  every  safeguard  as  to  cleanliness  and  general  sanitary  conditions.  A 
large  trade  is  also  done  in  manufactured  meat.  In  1906  the  business  was 
incorporated  and  the  present  officers  are  as  follows:  Morris  Schaffner, 
president;  Jacob  Schaffner,  vice  president;  Milton  Schaffner,  treasurer; 
and  Henry  G.  Schaffner,  secretary. 

Mr.  Schaffner  is  also  extensively  interested  in  farming  and  stock 
raising,  the  Schaffners  being  among  the  largest  land  owners  in  Erie 
County.  "Conneaut  Valley  Farm,"  located  in  Conneaut  Township,  Erie 
County,  has  a  national  reputation,  having  produced  some  of  the  best 
Shorthorn  cattle  in  America.  Morris  Schaffner  is  a  member  of  the  Ameri- 
can Shorthorn  Breeders  Association  of  Chicago,  111.  He  has  made  many 
exhibits  of  his  cattle  at  fairs  winning  prizes  wherever  shown. 

On  Nov.  28,  1886,  Mr.  Schaffner  was  married  to  Miss  Carrie  Schuster 
of  Buffalo,  and  they  have  three  children:    Milton,  treasurer  of  the  com- 


MORRIS    SCHAFPNER 


History  of  Erie  County  1001 

pany;  Alfred,  also  engaged  in  the  business  with  his  father;  and  Minnie 
married  Martin  D.  Levi. 

Mr.  Schaffner  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  West  Eighth  Street 
Temple,  of  which  he  served  as  president  for  17  years,  and  he  is  identified 
with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Erie  Maennerchor,  Erie 
Yacht  Club  and  the  Chamber  of  Commerce.  He  served  as  president  of 
the  B'nai  B'rith  and  is  a  member  of  the  Grange  Lodge  of  Conneaut  Town- 
ship.   At  one  time  Mr.  Schaffner  served  as  fire  commissioner  of  Erie. 

E.  A.  Kelsey,  who  lives  retired  at  Corry,  is  a  prominent  pioneer  citi- 
zen of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  Cattaraugus  County,  N.  Y.,  Sept. 
26,  1838,  the  son  of  Erastus  Darwin  and  Debra  (Ackley)  Kelsey. 

Erastus  Darwin  Kelsey  was  a  native  of  Herkimer  County,  N.  Y.,  as 
was  also  his  wife.  He  was  a  successful  farmer  and  also  engaged  in  the 
lumber  business.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kelsey,  deceased,  had  six  children :  Maroa, 
died  in  1916;  Daphoramy,  deceased;  Saphronia,  deceased;  E.  A.,  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch;  Orinda,  first  married  Herman  Dye,  deceased,  and  later 
married  William  Wheat,  and  they  live  retired  in  Los  Angeles,  Cal. ;  and 
Loverna,  deceased. 

E.  A.  Kelsey  was  reared  and  educated  in  New  York  state  and  in  May, 
1861  came  to  Corry  where  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  A.  &  G.  W.  Rail- 
road, now  the  Erie  Railroad.  He  began  as  a  telegraph  lineman  and  re- 
mained in  the  service  with  this  company  for  38  years,  22  years  of  which 
he  was  in  complete  charge  of  the  company's  telegraph  lines  between  Sala- 
manca and  Dayton,  Ohio.  With  Charles  Sweetman  he  holds  the  distinc- 
tion of  being  the  oldest  employe  of  the  company  now  living.  Mr.  Sweet- 
man  was  an  engineer  for  59  years,  running  between  Titusville  and  Corry. 
Mr.  Kelsey  helped  clear  away  the  timber  on  the  railroad  right  of  way  be- 
tween Corry  and  Union  City.  After  retiring  from  railroad  service,  Mr. 
Kelsey  was  in  the  employ  of  the  Bell  Telephone  Company  for  17  years. 
He  was  located  in  Erie  for  a  number  of  years  as  chief  lineman  and  gen- 
eral inspector  of  the  telephone  company.  Mr.  Kelsey  lives  at  601  South 
Center  Street. 

In  1862  Mr.  Kelsey  was  married  to  Miss  Rachael  Hurst,  who  was  born 
at  Leavittsburg,  Ohio,  in  1838.  To  them  was  born  a  son,  Charles  Ells- 
worth Kelsey,  born  Jan.  8,  1863,  died  Aug.  18,  1922,  leaving  a  widow,  Stella 
Burr  Kelsey,  who  lives  in  Kane,  Pa.  Mr.  Kelsey's  first  wife  died  Jan. 
5,  1866.     He  was  married  Sept.  12,  1882,  to  Alice  Beacon  Anderson,  a 


1002  History  of  Erie  County 

native  of  Ripley,  N.  Y.,  born  May  22,  1847.  They  have  an  adopted  daugh- 
ter, Mabel  Adele,  who  married  Claud  D.  Messenger,  and  they  live  in  Corry. 
Mr.  Kelsey  is  a  Republican  and  has  held  many  township  and  county 
offices.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  church  and  is  well  and  favorably 
known  throughout  Erie  County. 

Jchn  A.  Farnham,  retired,  is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War  and  an  honored 
pioneer  citizen  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  Wayne  Township,  Sept. 
22,  1841,  and  is  the  son  of  Walter  and  Rhoda  (Turner)  Farnham. 

Walter  Farnham  was  born  in  Connecticut  and  came  to  Pennsylvania 
at  the  close  of  the  War  of  1812,  in  which  he  had  served.  He  was  a  gradu- 
ate of  Yale  University,  and  taught  school  for  a  number  of  years,  later 
engaging  in  farming.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Farnham  had  14  children,  as  follows: 
Olive,  married  Hugh  Wilson,  both  deceased ;  Cordelia,  married  Manning 
Fuller,  both  deceased ;  Eliza,  married  Thomas  Spinks,  both  deceased ;  Chloe 
and  Mary,  deceased ;  Rhoda,  married  Josiah  Jackson,  both  deceased ;  Sallie, 
the  widow  of  Henderson  Kelly,  lives  at  Chandler's  Valley,  Pa.;  George, 
died  in  infancy;  John  A.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Jane,  married  George 
Thompson,  both  deceased ;  Cynthia,  deceased ;  Ellen,  married  William 
Loell,  lives  at  Ripley,  N.  Y. ;  Laura,  the  widow  of  David  Ray,  lives  in 
Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y. ;  and  Charles,  deceased. 

John  A.  Farnham  was  reared  and  educated  in  Chautauqua  County,  N. 
Y.,  and  at  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War  enlisted  in  Company  F,  154th 
New  York  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  engaged  in  many  important  battles 
and  skirmishes  during  the  war  and  was  wounded  during  the  battle  of  Get- 
tysburg. Following  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Farnham  located  at  Corry, 
where  he  became  a  well  known  building  contractor. 

On  April  30,  1866,  Mr.  Farnham  was  married  at  Champaign,  111.,  to 
Miss  Louise  Hall,  a  native  of  Vermont,  and  to  this  union  two  children 
were  born:  Nellie,  lives  in  Corry;  and  George,  also  a  resident  of  Corry. 
Mrs.  Farnham  died  March  17,  1886,  and  is  buried  in  Pine  Grove  cemetery, 
Corry.  On  Aug.  14,  1889,  Mr.  Farnham  was  married  to  Mrs.  Sarah  (Par- 
ker) Dunham,  a  native  of  Erie  County,  born  Dec.  12,  1842,  and  the  daugh- 
ter of  Dean  and  Mary  (Shaddock)  Parker,  the  former  a  native  of  Vermont 
and  the  latter  of  Pennsylvania.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Parker  were  the  parents 
of  the  following  children :  Henry,  deceased ;  Mrs.  Farnham ;  Jonas,  lives 
retired  in  Erie  County ;  Frank,  lives  at  Summit,  Pa. ;  Mary,  deceased ; 
Major,  lives  retired  at  Summit,  Pa. ;  Eva,  married  Eugene  Hill,  lives  at 


History  of  Erie  County  1003 

Erie;  and  James,  deceased.  By  her  first  marriage  Mrs.  Farnham  had 
three  children:  Delia,  born  Jan.  17,  1874,  married  on  Sept.  3,  1893  to 
Hanford  Duke,  lives  at  Corry;  Jessie,  born  March  30,  1875,  died  Aug.  18, 
1913 ;  and  Grace,  born  Oct.  27,  1877,  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Farnham  is  a  Republican  and  served  as  a  member  of  the  city 
council  for  several  years.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and 
belongs  to  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  and  the  Masonic  lodge.  He 
and  his  family  are  highly  esteemed  in  the  community. 

Henry  F.  King,  who  lives  retired  at  Corry,  was  for  many  years  a 
leading  manufacturer  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Wattsburg,  Pa., 
Dec.  25,  1837,  and  is  the  son  of  Hollis  and  Sally  (Babcock)  King. 

Hollis  King  was  born  near  Quebec,  Canada,  in  1811,  and  at  an  early 
date  removed  to  Pennsylvania  where  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  busi- 
ness at  Columbus.  He  also  owned  450  acres  of  land  near  Corry.  He  also 
owned  a  large  portion  of  the  land  upon  which  the  city  of  Corry  is  located. 
He  was  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  belonged 
to  the  Masonic  lodge  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He 
served  as  justice  of  the  peace  at  Corry  in  1865,  and  also  associate  judge 
of  Erie  County  for  a  number  of  years.  He  died  Dec.  18,  1891.  His  wife 
died  Dec.  25th  of  the  same  year.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  King  were  born  five 
children:  Henry  F.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Ezra  L.,  a  Civil  War 
veteran,  deceased;  G.  Oscar,  also  a  Civil  War  veteran,  now  deceased; 
John  J.,  was  killed  while  in  service  during  the  Civil  War  in  1864;  and 
Bertha,  the  widow  of  Gaylord  Bly,  lives  at  Ashville,  N.  Y. 

Henry  F.  King  received  his  education  in  the  district  schools  of  Colum- 
bus, Warren  County,  Pa.,  where  he  spent  his  boyhood.  He  began  life 
as  a  photographer  at  Columbus,  Pa.,  and  was  later  located  at  Union  City, 
Wattsburg,  and  Pittsfield,  Pa.  He  came  to  Corry  in  1861  and  established 
a  machine  shop.  The  business  was  known  as  King-Schafer  &  Company. 
Mr.  King's  father  was  associated  in  business  with  him  for  a  number  of 
years,  until  his  death,  and  at  that  time  Mr.  King  became  sole  owner  of 
the  business,  which  became  known  as  the  Corry  Novelty  Works.  Mr. 
King  retired  from  active  business  in  1916.  He  is  the  inventor  of  the  King 
portable  engine.  As  an  honor  from  the  state  he  was  awarded  a  medal 
for  his  invention. 

In  1876  Mr.  King  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mrs.  Delilah  (Robin- 
son)  Reynolds,  the  widow  of  J.  B.  Reynolds.     By  her  former  marriage 


1004  History  of  Erie  County 

she  had  two  children,  Guy  Reynolds,  who  resides  in  California,  and  Min- 
nie, deceased.  Mrs.  King  died  in  March,  1877,  and  on  Feb.  18,  1883,  Mr. 
King  was  married  to  Miss  Frances  Braman,  a  native  of  Chautauqua 
County,  N.  Y.,  born  in  1846,  and  a  daughter  of  Paul  and  Cynthia  (Bent- 
ley)  Braman,  who  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Rinaldo, 
deceased;  Adley,  married  Daniel  Parkhurst,  both  deceased;  Martha,  re- 
sides at  Corry;  Paul  J.,  lives  in  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y. ;  and  Mrs. 
King. 

In  politics  Mr.  King  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He  is  a 
substantial  citizen,  esteemed  throughout  his  community  for  his  upright- 
ness of  character. 

Stephen  J.  Downs,  the  well  known  and  eflScient  postmaster  of  Union 
City,  is  a  native  of  that  place.  He  was  born  April  9,  1877,  and  is  the  son 
of  Stephen  and  Anna  (O'Callahan)  DoWns. 

Stephen  Downs  came  to  this  country  from  Ireland  during  the  early  days 
and  located  first  in  Iowa,  but  later  removed  to  Pennsylvania.  He  was 
among  the  first  settlers  of  Union  City  where  he  became  a  substantial 
citizen.  He  was  a  staunch  Democrat  and  a  member  of  the  Catholic 
Church.  Mr.  Downs  died  in  1904  and  his  wife  died  July  10,  1919.  They 
were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Andrew,  a  cigar  manufac- 
turer, lives  in  Wisconsin ;  Julia,  died  at  the  age  of  22  years ;  Michael,  lives 
at  Union  City;  Mary  P.,  married  T.  J.  Watson,  lives  at  Conneaut,  Ohio; 
Elizabeth,  the  widow  of  M.  J.  Hanlon;  Rev.  John  C,  deceased;  Stephen  J., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch ;  and  Anna  M.,  who  died  Feb.  27,  1925,  and  is 
buried  at  Union  City,  Pa. 

Stephen  J.  Downs  was  educated  in  the  parochial  schools  of  Union 
City  and  attended  business  college  at  Meadville,  Pa.  He  began  his  busi- 
ness career  as  a  woodworker  here  and  later  became  cashier  and  account- 
ant for  the  Standard  Chair  Company  of  Union  City,  in  which  capacity  he 
served  for  ten  years.  In  1916  Mr.  Downs  received  his  appointment  as 
postmaster  under  President  Wilson  and  was  reappointed  under  President 
Harding's  administration. 

On  Nov.  18,  1922,  Mr.  Downs  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mar- 
garet Maud  Kennedy,  a  native  of  Cleveland,  and  a  daughter  of  Patrick  J. 
and  Mary  (Burke)  Kennedy,  natives  of  Ireland.  Mr.  Kennedy  is  de- 
ceased and  his  wife  resides  in  Union  City.  They  were  the  parents  of 
the  following  children:  Mary,  married  James  Haney,  lives  at  Montclair, 


History  of  Erie  County  1005 

N.  J. ;  Mrs.  Downs ;  Grace,  married  George  Schrecht,  lives  in  Cleveland ; 
John,  a  student;  and  William,  J. 

Mr.  Downs  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church  and 
belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Columbus.  He  is  a  progressive  citizen  and 
well  liked  throughout  his  community. 

Miss  Katherine  M.  Stone,  of  Corry,  ranks  among  the  representative 
and  well  known  women  of  Erie  County.  She  was  born  in  this  county  and 
is  the  daughter  of  Jeremiah  and  Catherine  Jane  (Potter)  Stone. 

Jeremiah  Stone  was  a  native  of  New  York  State  as  was  also  his  wife. 
At  an  early  date  he  removed  to  Pennsylvania  and  settled  at  Corry  where 
he  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  with  his  brother,  Nathaniel,  later 
dealing  in  vehicles,  farm  implements,  etc.  Mr.  Stone  died  June  13,  1914, 
and  his  wife  died  Feb.  8,  1908.  They  were  the  parents  of  four  children, 
as  follows:  Milton  D.,  deceased,  was  the  husband  of  Minnie  B.  Elderkin, 
and  they  had  one  son,  Robert  Edward,  who  resides  at  Spokane,  Wash. ; 
Watson,  deceased,  was  the  husband  of  Adelaide  Williams,  and  they  had 
one  son,  Paul  Williams,  who  is  engaged  in  the  jewelry  business  in  Corry; 
Herbert  Potter,  married  Ethel  L.  Halliday,  who  passed  away  on  March 
29,  1925,  leaving  three  children,  Katherine  Halliday,  Mary  Lawrence  and 
Herbert  Potter,  Jr.,  who  resides  in  Warren,  Pa.,  with  their  parents;  and 
Katherine  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Miss  Katherine  M.  Stone  was  reared  and  educated  in  Corry,  graduat- 
ing from  the  Corry  High  School  and  for  a  number  of  years  served  as 
Court  Stenographer  in  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.,  under  Judges  Fisher 
and  Ottaway.  During  the  World  War  she  served  as  secretary  of  the 
local  Red  Cross.  After  serving  as  First  Reader  of  the  Christian  Science 
Church  for  three  years,  she  was  appointed  clerk  of  the  church  here,  in 
which  she  is  an  active  worker.  Miss  Stone  is  also  interested  in  club  work 
and  has  a  wide  circle  of  friends  in  the  community.  She  resides  at 
218  East  Smith  Street. 

David  S.  Rowe,  retired,  was  for  52  years  connected  with  the  Erie  Rail- 
road as  ticket  agent  at  Corry.  He  was  born  at  Columbus,  Warren  County, 
Pa.,  March  29,  1843,  the  son  of  Henry  and  Helen  (Smith)  Rowe. 

Henry  Rowe  was  born  in  Ulster  County,  N.  Y.,  March  29,  1806,  and 
his  wife  was  born  in  Chenango  County,  N.  Y.,  June  3,  1807.  They  were 
among  the  early  settlers  of  Warren  County  where  Mr.  Rowe  improved  a 


1006  History  of  Erie  County 

large  tract  of  land  and  engaged  in  general  farming.  He  died  April  8, 
1872,  and  his  wife  died  April  16,  1879.  They  were  the  parents  of  the 
following  children:  William,  born  July  19,  1830,  died  April  22,  1860;  Fran- 
cis A.,  born  April  29,  1833,  a  Civil  War  veteran,  lives  at  Conneaut ;  James, 
born  in  1836,  died  at  the  age  of  three  years;  and  David  S.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch. 

D.  S.  Rowe  was  educated  in  a  log  school  house  in  Warren  County,  and 
attende'd  Edinboro  Normal  School,  being  one  of  the  first  students  enrolled 
at  that  institution.  In  1865  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Erie  Railroad 
as  local  ticket  agent,  which  position  he  filled  continuously  until  1917. 

On  Dec.  12,  1867,  Mr.  Rowe  was  married  to  Miss  Emily  R.  Gilson, 
a  native  of  Canada,  N.  Y.,  born  Dec.  If,  1840,  and  a  daughter  of  Eben 
and  Esther  (Lytle)  Gilson,  natives  of  Chatauqua  County,  N.  Y.,  and  the 
parents  of  the  following  children :  Mrs.  Rowe ;  Marion,  Cassius,  Rosamond, 
all  deceased ;  W.  L.,  lives  at  Bradford,  Pa. ;  E.  P.,  lives  at  Corry ;  and  Jack- 
son, deceased. 

To  D.  S.  and  Emily  R.  (Gilson)  Rowe  were  born  three  children:  Wil- 
liam D.,  born  July  27,  1876,  lives  at  Corry;  Rodney  H.,  born  Dec.  11,  1881, 
lives  at  Corry;  and  H.  Langdon,  born  Feb.  29,  1884,  lives  at  Corry.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Rowe  have  three  grandchildren,  Helen,  David  S.,  and  Dorothy 
Rowe. 

In  politics  Mr.  Rowe  is  identified  with  the  Democratic  party,  and  he  is 
affiliated  with  the  Masonic  lodge.  He  is  a  public  spirited  citizen  and  holds 
the  high  regard  of  all  who  know  him. 

Noah  P.  Kilburn,  who  lives  retired  at  Corry,  is  a  highly  respected 
pioneer  citizen  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  in  St.  Lawrence  County, 
N.  Y.,  Oct.  28,  1828,  and  is  a  son  of  John  M.  and  Hannah  (Cook)  Kilburn, 
both  natives  of  New  York. 

There  were  ten  children  in  the  Kilburn  family  as  follows:  Mercy, 
deceased;  N.  P.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Rastus,  a  Civil  War  veteran, 
lives  retired  at  Perrysburg,  N.  Y. ;  Alvin,  a  Civil  War  veteran,  lives  re- 
tired at  Salamanca,  N.  Y. ;  Washington  H.,  a  Civil  War  veteran,  deceased; 
Marvin,  who  died  in  1921 ;  Theva,  Sarah,  and  Orilla,  all  deceased ;  and  one 
child  died  in  infancy. 

When  N.  P.  Kilburn  was  young  his  parents  moved  to  Cattaraugus 
County,  N.  Y.,  where  he  received  his  early  education.  When  quite  young 
he  became  an  apprentice  to  the  jeweler's  trade  at  Gowanda,  N.  Y.,  and 


History  of  Erie  County  1007 

in  the  fall  of  1856  engaged  in  business  for  himself  at  Forrestville,  N.  Y. 
Four  years  later  he  removed  to  Randolph  and  in  August,  1862,  came  to 
Corry  and  engaged  in  business,  being  the  first  jeweler  in  the  town.  In 
1874  Mr.  Kilburn  sold  his  business  and  went  on  the  road  as  a  traveling 
salesman  in  the  sewing  machine,  needle  and  oil  line  for  six  years,  during 
which  time  he  traveled  in  nearly  every  state  in  the  union.  He  later  re- 
turned to  Corry  where  he  again  engaged  in  the  jewelry  business. 

In  1846  Mr.  Kilburn  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Rebecca  Nich- 
ols, a  native  of  Cattaraugus  County,  N.  Y.  She  died  in  1862  leaving  one 
child,  Ellen,  deceased.  Mr.  Kilburn  was  later  married  to  Miss  Susan 
Owens,  of  Corry.  To  them  were  born  two  children:  George  P.,  lives  at 
Akron,  Ohio;  and  Jennie,  who  married  Frank  McVaugh,  lives  at  Oil  City, 
Pa.    Mrs.  Kilburn  died  in  August,  1905. 

Mr.  Kilburn  is  a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church  and  belongs  to  the 
Masonic  lodge  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  a  Re- 
publican. 

Dr.  Henry  L.  Stem,  who  has  practiced  his  profession  at  Union  City 
for  the  past  33  years,  is  among  the  capable  physicians  and  surgeons  of 
Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Waterford,  Pa.,  Oct.  5,  1869,  and  is  the 
son  of  Lewis  and  Elizabeth  (Rice)  Stem. 

Lewis  Stem  was  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  Erie  County,  having  come 
from  his  native  home  at  Easton,  Pa.  He  was  a  blacksmith  by  trade  and 
in  1865  was  proprietor  of  the  Eagle  Hotel  at  Waterford,  "which  he  con- 
ducted for  a  number  of  years.  He  died  in  1900  and  is  buried  at  Kent, 
Ohio.  His  wife  died  when  Henry  L.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  but 
a  few  days  old.    Another  son,  Andrew  C,  resides  at  Kent,  Ohio. 

Dr.  Henry  L.  Stem  was  reared  by  his  grandparents,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Henry  Rice.  He  was  graduated  from  Waterford  Academy  in  1888  and 
in  the  fall  of  1889  began  the  study  of  medicine  in  the  Homeopathic  Medical 
College  at  Cleveland,  Ohio.  In  the  fall  and  winter  of  1890-91  he  attended 
the  Hahnneman  Medical  College,  Chicago,  returning  to  the  Cleveland  Med- 
ical College  in  the  fall  of  1891.  He  was  graduated  from  that  institution 
with  honor  in  the  spring  of  1892  and  in  April  of  that  year  located  at  Union 
City,  where  he  has  established  an  excellent  practice. 

On  Oct.  5,  1889,  Dr.  Stem  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Ada  B. 
Cheney,  a  native  of  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  and  to  this  union  two  children  were 
born:  James  C,  who  was  graduated  from  Oberlin  College  in  1922,  now 


1008  History  of  Erie  County 

engaged  in  the  insurance  business  at  LeRoy,  Ohio;  and  Elizabeth,  born 
Dec.  23,  1905,  a  student  at  Ohio  Wesleyan  University.  Mrs.  Stem  died 
May  9,  1916,  and  is  buried  in  Evergreen  cemetery.  On  Feb.  5,  1918,  Dr. 
Stem  was  married  to  Miss  Lana  M.  Wilson,  a  native  of  Union  City,  born 
April  6,  1880. 

Dr.  Stem  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist-Episcopal  Church,  and  is  iden- 
tified with  the  Masonic  lodge,  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and 
the  Knights  of  Pythias.    He  is  a  Republican. 

Henry  Althof ,  retired,  has  been  prominently  identified  with  the  manu- 
facturing interests  of  Erie  for  many  years.  He  was  born  at  Ehringshau- 
sen,  Prussia,  Germany,  Jan.  24,  1849,  the  son  of  Henry  and  Anna  Margaret 
(Schmidt)  Althof. 

Henry  Althof,  deceased,  brought  his  family  to  this  country  many 
years  ago  and  settled  in  Erie,  where  he  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
iron  fences,  railings,  stairs,  gi'atings,  and  all  kinds  of  iron  work,  the  busi- 
ness being  known  as  the  Ornamental  Iron  Works.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Althof 
had  five  children:  August,  Frederick  W.,  Susan,  and  Ehzabeth,  all  de- 
ceased; and  Henry,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Henry  Althof  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  Erie  and  after  serving 
his  apprenticeship  as  blacksmith  and  ornamental  iron  worker  under  his 
father,  he  was  associated  with  him  in  his  business  until  1872,  when  a 
partnership  was  formed  with  J.  Gorr  and  W.  Baas,  under  the  firm  name  of 
the  Erie  City  Iron  Fence  &  Wire  Works.  The  business  was  located  at 
1214  State  Street  and  after  the  dissolution  of  the  partnership  in  1901, 
Mr.  Althof  conducted  the  business  at  1318  Turnpike,  with  Mr.  Baas.  The 
latter  retired  in  1910,  the  business  thereafter  being  conducted  at  1821 
State  Street  until  1915,  when  Mr.  Althof  disposed  of  his  business  to  his 
sons,  who  increased  the  business  to  such  an  extent  that  it  was  necessary 
to  erect  a  new  factory  building  at  121-23  East  23rd  Street.  It  is  known 
as  the  Henry  Althof's  Sons  Company  Wire  Works. 

On  May,  26,  1874,  Mr.  Althof  was  united  in  marriage  at  Erie  with 
Miss  Georgianna  Nolte,  a  native  of  Hanover,  Germany,  and  the  daughter 
of  Henry  and  Justina  (Vollmer)  Nolte,  both  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Althof  have  four  sons,  Henry  A.,  Edward  W.,  Arthur  L.,  and  George  T., 
proprietors  of  the  business  established  by  their  father.  Three  daughters, 
Rose,  Emma,  and  Emilie  are  deceased,  and  a  son,  Carl,  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Althof  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  St.  John's  Evangelical  Luth- 
eran Church  and  his  wife  belongs  to  the  Ladies  of  the  Maccabees.    Mr, 


HENRY   ALTHOP 


History  of  Erie  County  1009 

Althof  is  a  substantial  and  well  known  citizen  of  Erie,  and  his  family- 
stands  high  in  the  community. 

Henry  August  Althof,  vice  pi-esident  of  the  Henry  Althof's  Sons 
Company,  represents  a  family  fittingly  assigned  a  conspicuous  place 
among  the  manufacturing  agencies  of  .Erie.  He  was  born  in  this  city, 
Dec.  24,  1879,  and  is  the  son  of  Henry  and  Georgianna  (Nolte)  Althof, 
sketch  of  whom  appears  elsewhere  in  this  history.  There  were  eight 
children  in  the  Althof  family  as  follows:  Rose  Elizabeth,  born  March  1, 
1876;  Emma  Louise,  born  Feb.  21,  1878;  Henry  August,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch;  Edward  W.,  born  Feb.  11,  1882;  Emilie,  born  July  2,  1884; 
Arthur  Louis,  born  June  30,  1886;  George  T.,  born  March  22,  1889;  and 
Carl,  born  July  8,  1891. 

Henry  August  Althof  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of 
Erie  and  began  his  business  career  as  an  errand  boy  for  I.  A.  Forman  & 
Brother.  Since  the  time  of  his  father's  retirement  in  1915,  Mr.  Althof 
has  served  as  vice  president  of  the  business  that  was  established  by  his 
father  many  years  ago. 

On  June  15,  1905,  Mr.  Althof  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Cath- 
erine Rose  Knabel,  a  native  of  Erie,  and  a  daughter  of  Anton  and  Caroline 
(Obble)  Knabel,  natives  of  Germany.  Mr.  Knabel  died  June  11,  1915, 
and  his  wife  died  Dec.  31,  1920.  There  are  three  children  in  the  Althof 
family:  Harold  Henry,  born  Jan.  12,  1907;  Catherine  Marie,  born  April 
27,   1908;   and   Richard,   born   Nov.   18,   1914. 

Mr.  Althof  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  and  is  a  member 
of  the  Lutheran  Church.  He  is  an  enterprising  and  successful  business 
man  and  is  widely  known. 

Edward  W.  Althof,  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Henry  Althof's 
Sons  Company,  is  a  well  known  business  man  of  Erie.  He  was  born  in 
this  city,  Feb.  11,  1882,  and  is  the  son  of  Henry  and  Georgianna  (Nolte) 
Althof,  a  complete  sketch  of  whom  appears  elsewhere  in  this  history. 

Edward  W.  Althof  attended  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and  was  grad- 
uated from  Central  High  School  in  1913.  In  1911  he  entered  the  employ 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  as  a  messenger  boy  and  remained 
in  their  service  for  16  years,  being  assistant  cashier  at  the  time  of  his 
resignation.  He  was  then  employed  by  Jacob  Haller,  wholesale  grocer, 
and  served  in  the  capacity  of  bookkeeper  for  one  and  one-half  years.  In 
1918  Mr.  Althof  purchased  a  fourth  interest  in  the  business  established 
(64) 


1010  History  of  Erie  County 

by  his  father  and  known  as  Henry  Althof s  Sons  Company.  Since  its 
incorporation  he  has  served  as  secretary  and  treasurer. 

Mr.  Althof  was  married  on  Nov.  16,  1905,  to  Miss  Emma  C.  Benze, 
a  native  of  Erie  and  a  daughter  of  Rev.  Adolph  L.  and  Elizabeth  (Kiehl) 
Benze,  natives  of  Germany.  Reverend  Benze  died  in  1890  and  his  wife 
died  in  1911. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Althof  have  been  born  three  sons :  Edward  W.,  Jr., 
a  student  at  Muhlenberg  College,  Allentown,  Pa. ;  L.  Frederick  and  Theo- 
dore H.,  both  at  home. 

Mr.  Althof  is  a  Republican  and  a  member  of  St.  John's  Lutheran 
Church.  He  is  a  progressive  business  man  and  is  well  liked  in  Erie  and 
the  surrounding  community. 

George  T.  Althoff,  who  ranks  among  the  successful  and  leading 
manufacturers  of  Erie,  was  bom  in  this  city,  March  22,  1889,  and  is  the 
son  of  Henry  and  Georgiana  (Nolte)  Althof.  A  complete  biography  of 
Henry  Althof,  pioneer  manufacturer  of  Erie,  appears  elsewhere  in  this 
history. 

George  T.  Althof  began  life  as  an  errand  boy.  He  was  educated  in  the 
public  schools  of  Erie  and  since  1918  has  owned  an  interest  in  the  Henry 
Althof's  Sons  Company,  which  was  established  by  his  father  many  years 
ago. 

On  June  24,  1914,  Mr.  Althof  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Net- 
tie C.  Weber,  a  native  of  Erie  and  the  daughter  of  Gustave  A.  and  Rosina 
(Link)  Weber,  natives  of  West  Prussia,  Germany,  and  early  settlers  of 
Erie.  Mr.  Weber  resides  at  3019  Parade  Street.  His  wife  died  Aug.  1, 
1891.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Althof  a  daughter  has  been  born,  Georgiana  C,  a 
student. 

Politically  Mr.  Althof  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  St.  John's 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  and  is  identified  with  the  Keystone  Lodge  of 
the  Masonic  Order.  He  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  the  community 
where  he  has  spent  his  entire  life. 

Dr.  Ralph  B.  Holeman  is  a  successful  and  well  known  dentist  of  Union 
City.  He  was  born  at  Mill  Village,  in  Erie  County,  Dec.  16,  1879,  and 
is  the  son  of  Richard  A.  and  Jennie  (Skelton)  Holeman. 

Richard  A.  Holeman  was  a  native  of  Allegheny,  Pa.,  and  a  son  of 
Alexander  Holeman,  who  served  as  a  member  of  the  Pennsylvania  legis- 
lature.    In  1874  Richard  A.  Holeman  removed  to  Mill  Village  where  he 


History  of  Erie  County  1011 

engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  for  40  years,  being  among  the  pioneer 
merchants  of  that  section.  He  was  a  Republican  and  served  as  justice 
of  the  peace  for  36  years.  Mr.  Holeman  died  Feb.  15,  1920,  and  is  buried 
at  Union  City.  His  wife  resides  with  her  son  here.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Holeman  one  child  was  born,  Dr.  Ralph  B.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 
By  a  former  marriage  Mr.  Holeman  had  another  son,  Lewis  A.,  a  civil 
engineer  who  resides  in  Baltimore. 

After  attending  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Mill  Village,  Dr.  Hole- 
man  was  a  student  at  Allegheny  College  for  one  year.  He  was  graduated 
from  the  dental  school  of  Western  Reserve  University  in  Cleveland  in 
1904,  and  spent  the  next  seven  years  practicing  his  profession  at  Mill 
Village.  Since  1911  Dr.  Holeman  has  been  located  in  Union  City  where 
he  has  established  an  exceptionally  fine  practice. 

On  June  29,  1904,  Dr.  Holentan  was  married  to  Miss  Mabel  B.  Young, 
who  was  born  at  Union  City,  July  9,  1885,  the  daughter  of  John  and 
Lulu  E.  (Green)  Young,  both  deceased.  There  were  eight  children  in  the 
Young  family,  as  follows:  Alfred,  lives  in  New  York  City;  Arthur  F., 
hardware  merchant,  lives  at  Union  City;  Bertha,  married  Harvey  Brake- 
man,  lives  at  Sandy  Lake,  Pa. ;  Edward ;  John,  lives  in  California ;  Mrs. 
Holeman;  Rena,  married  Frank  Turner,  lives  at  Union  City;  and  Fern, 
married  Charles  Metzger,  lives  at  Union  City.  Mr.  Young  was  a  Civil 
War  veteran.  To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Holeman  have  been  born  three  children: 
Dorothy  B.,  born  Dec.  29,  1905,  a  graduate  of  Union  City  High  School, 
and  who  will  be  graduated  from  Allegheny  College  in  1925;  Mildred 
Jane,  died  in  infancy;  and  Richard  John,  born  Dec.  23,  1918. 

Dr.  Holeman  is  a  Republican,  and  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Church. 
He  is  a  public  spirited  and  progressive  citizen. 

Robert  M.  Buck,  a  well  known  citizen  of  Union  City,  was  born  at 
Watsontown,  Northumberland  County,  Pa.,  Dec.  9,  1878,  and  is  the  son 
of  Robert  and  Elizabeth  (Stiler)  Buck. 

Robert  Buck  was  a  native  of  Chester  County,  Pa.,  and  an  early  settler 
of  Watsontown.  He  was  among  the  pioneer  railroad  men  and  was  em- 
ployed by  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  building  a  road  between  Williams- 
port  and  Harrisburg,  Pa.  He  was  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church  and  a  32nd  degree  Mason.  He  died  Jan.  7,  1890,  and 
his  wife  died  May  7,  1913.  Robert  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
their  only  child.  By  a  former  marriage  Mr.  Buck  had  three  children: 
Emily,  married  Parson  McKee,  both  deceased;  Mary,  the  widow  of  Bert 


1012  History  of  Erie  County 

Hogue,  lives  at  Jersey  Shore,  Pa.;  and  Jennie,  the  widow  of  William  R. 
Rossell,  lives  at  Renovo,  Pa. 

Robert  M.  Buck  was  reared  and  educated  at  Watsontown,  Pa.,  and 
in  1898  entered  the  employ  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  as  a  telegraph 
operator.  Several  years  later  he  was  connected  with  the  New  York  Cen- 
tral Railroad  in  the  same  capacity  at  Jersey  Shore,  Pa.,  but  later  re- 
turned to  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  He  has  been  stationed  in  Union 
City  since  1908. 

On  Nov.  15,  1900,  Mr.  Buck  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Ros- 
anna  Kamp,  of  Watsontown,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  John  T.  and  Mary 
(Reynolds)  Kamp,  who  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Kitty 
Ann,  married  William  Wesley,  lives  at  Tyrone,  Pa.;  Vern,  married  P.  J. 
Michael,  lives  in  Union  City;  Mrs.  Buck;  and  George  P.,  who  is  employed 
by  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Mr.  Kamp  died  Sept.  13,  1910,  and  his 
wife  died  March  31,  1923.    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Buck  have  no  children. 

Mr.  Buck  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 
He  is  an  industrious  and  capable  man  and  has  the  esteem  of  his  fellow 
citizens  throughout  the  community. 

John  C.  Maurer,  who  lives  retired  at  Union  City,  is  among  the  well 
known  and  honored  pioneer  citizens  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at 
Rochester,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  27,  1834,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Sophia  (Gross) 
Maurer. 

Early  in  1834  John  Maurer  brought  his  family  from  Germany  to  the 
United  States  and  settled  at  Rochester,  N.  Y.  He  was  a  cooper  by  trade 
and  with  his  three  brothers,  Jacob,  John  and  William,  he  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  barrels.  He  died  in  18.57  and  is  buried  in  Mount  Hope 
cemetery,  Rochester.  There  were  ten  children  in  the  Maurer  family: 
Charles,  deceased;  John  C,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Jacob;  Sophia, 
married  Gustave  Kiser,  both  deceased;  Kate,  married  Peter  Richard,  both 
deceased;  Louise,  the  widow  of  Albert  Bloom,  lives  at  Rochester;  Ellen, 
lives  at  Rochester;  C.  B.;  and  two  died  in  infancy. 

After  completing  his  schooling,  John  C.  Maurer  engaged  in  the  manu- 
facturing business  with  his  father  and  later  entered  the  employ  of  the 
New  York  Central  Railroad  as  a  machinist,  and  was  also  a  fireman  on 
this  road  for  several  years,  after  which  he  engaged  in  the  manufacture 
of  barrels  with  his  brother  Charles  in  Akron,  Ohio.     In  1873  Mr.  Maurer 


History  of  Erie  County  1013 

removed  to  Erie  County  and  settled  in  Union  City  where  he  was  engaged 
in  the  same  business.     He  is  retired  and  lives  at  50  West  High  Street. 

On  June  24,  1860,  Mr.  Maurer  was  married  to  Miss  Margaret  Haas, 
a  native  of  Bavaria,  born  in  1830.  They  had  six  children:  Matilda,  born 
March  28,  1861,  married  Albert  Calfisch,  lives  at  Union  City;  Louisa, 
deceased;  Leta,  deceased;  Fred,  died  in  1923;  John,  deceased;  and  Mabel, 
the  widow  of  Andrew  McLeod,  lives  with  her  father,  has  one  child,  Alice, 
attending  high  school.  There  are  seven  grandchildren:  Margaret,  Ger- 
trude, Gladys,  Mabel,  Albert,  John,  and  Alice.  Mr.  Maurer  is  a  Repub- 
lican, a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  belongs  to  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  a  man  highly  esteemed  in  his 
community. 

Ira  B.  Munsee,  now  living  at  Union  City,  is  a  Civil  War  veteran  and  a 
well  known  and  highly  esteemed  pioneer  citizen  of  Erie  County.  He  was 
born  in  Amity  Township,  Jan.  9,  1848,  and  is  a  son  of  Harvey  and  Almeda 
(Drake)  Munsee,  the  former  a  native  of  New  York  and  the  latter  of 
Erie  County. 

Harvey  Munsee  was  the  son  of  John  Munsee,  a  native  of  Herkimer 
County,  N.  Y.,  who  served  in  the  War  of  1812.  The  latter  was  a  son  of 
John  Munsee  who  came  to  this  country  from  France,  and  "was  a  member 
of  Lafayette's  forces.  In  1845  the  Munsee  family  migrated  to  Erie 
County  and  settled  on  a  farm  in  Venango  Township.  Harvey  Munsee 
was  a  prominent  citizen  of  his  time  and  died  in  1898.  His  wife  died  in 
1904.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  John,  who  served 
throughout  the  Civil  War  with  Company  K,  83rd  Pennsylvania  Volunteer 
Infantry,  and  who  now  lives  retired  at  Wattsburg,  Pa. ;  Louisa,  born  in 
1850,  died  in  1867;  Ira  B.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Eustacy,  deceased, 
was  the  wife  of  George  Dorman ;  Jane,  deceased,  was  the  wife  of  William 
Fennell;  Milton,  deceased;  Wilson  and  Grant,  deceased;  three  children 
died  in  infancy;  and  Myrtle,  married  John  Reynolds,  lives  in  Crawford 
County,  Pa. 

Ira  B.  Munsee  received  his  education  in  a  log  school  house  in  Amity 
Tov.r.sliip  and  began  life  as  a  farmer,  working  out  for  $5.00  per  month. 
He  became  the  owner  of  50  acres  of  land  which  he  improved  with  oxen 
teams  and  became  one  of  the  leading  grain  and  dairy  farmers  of  the 
county.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War  Mr.  Munsee  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany F,  111th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry  and  engaged  in  a  number 


1014  History  of  Erie  County 

of  important  battles.  He  was  also  with  Sherman  on  his  March  to  the 
Sea.  During  the  Spanish-American  War  he  volunteered  for  service  but 
was  not  accepted.  Mr.  Munsee  is  identified  with  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic,  Post  No.  235,  Wattsburg,  Pa.  He  has  held  all  offices  of  this 
post  and  is  now  quartermaster. 

On  Dec.  25,  1867,  Mr.  Munsee  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Amerett  Fenno,  a  native  of  Erie  County,  born  Oct.  11,  1848,  and  the 
daughter  of  Judson  and  Grace  (Edwards)  Fenno,  the  former  a  native  of 
Vermont  and  the  latter  of  Connecticut.  There  were  eight  children  in 
the  Fenno  family,  as  follows:  Edwin  and  Adeline,  both  deceased;  Melvin, 
deceased,  was  a  Civil  War  veteran;  Byron,  deceased;  Mrs.  Munsee;  Es- 
telle,  who  teaches  in  the  government  schools  at  Washington,  D.  C. ;  and 
Florence,  married  Henry  Seymour,  lives  in  Union  Township,  Erie  County. 
Mrs.  Munsee  died  March  26,  1925,  and  is  buried  in  Evergreen  cemetery 
at  Union  City,  Pa. 

Mr.  Munsee  is  a  Republican  and  cast  his  first  vote  for  Abraham  Lin- 
coln. He  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  belongs 
to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Frank  H.  Osborne,  funeral  director,  of  Union  City,  ranks  among  the 
substantial  citizens  of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  at  Sharpsville,  in  Mer- 
cer County,  Pa.,  Sept.  30,  1887,  and  is  the  son  of  Frank  Forrest  and  Ada 
(Hazen)  Osborne. 

Frank  Forrest  Osborne  was  an  early  settler  of  Mercer  County  and 
was  a  bookkeeper  during  his  active  career.  He  now  lives  retired  at  Mead- 
ville.  He  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
and  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  His  wife  is 
deceased.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Osborne  were  born  five  children:  Frank, 
deceased ;  Gyla,  married  Charles  W.  Cushman,  lives  at  Sharon,  Pa. ;  Edna, 
lives  at  Sharon,  Pa.;  Frank  H.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Ralph, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  21  years. 

Frank  H.  Osborne  received  his  education  in  the  public  and  high  schools 
of  Saegerstown,  Pa.,  and  after  his  marriage  engaged  in  the  undertaking 
business  with  his  father-in-law,  F.  M.  Hunter,  pioneer  funeral  director  of 
Saegerstown.  Mr.  Hunter  is  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Saegerstown 
National  Bank  and  has  always  taken  a  prominent  part  in  the  business 
activities  of  that  city.  He  is  a  32nd  degree  Mason,  a  member  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.    Mr.  and 


History  of  Erie  County  1015 

Mrs.  Hunter  had  three  children:  Mrs.  Osborne;  Iva,  the  widow  of  LeRoy 
Hickernell,  hves  at  Saegerstown,  Pa. ;  and  Gordon  Emory,  engaged  in 
business  with  his  father. 

In  December,  1915,  Mr.  Osborne  engaged  in  the  undertaking  business 
at  Ridgeway,  Pa.,  where  he  remained  until  April,  1919.  He  has  since 
been  located  at  Union  City,  where  he  has  one  of  the  most  up-to-date 
funeral  homes  in  the  county.  Mr.  Osborne  operates  the  only  ambulance 
in  the  city,  and  also  does  a  large  volume  of  business  in  Erie. 

Mr.  Osborne  married  Miss  Ethel  Hunter,  a  native  of  Saegerstown, 
Pa.,  born  July  12,  1886,  and  the  daughter  of  F.  M.  and  Leta  (Lord) 
Hunter.  They  have  five  children,  as  follows:  Ralph;  Florence;  Dorothy; 
Richard;  and  Donald. 

Mr.  Osborne  and  his  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  and  he  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge,  and  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows. 

Joseph  L.  Shreve,  a  well  known  retired  farmer  of  Union  City,  is  a 
Civil  War  veteran  and  a  member  of  one  of  Erie  County's  pioneer  families. 
He  was  born  at  Bloomfield,  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  July  12,  1847,  and  is 
the  son  of  Charles  and  Sarah  (Winder)  Shreve. 

Charles  Shreve,  who  was  born  in  Bloomfield  Township,  Crawford 
County,  in  1804,  was  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  Erie  County.  He 
was  a  large  land  owner  and  a  prosperous  farmer.  He  died  in  1874  and 
his  wife  died  in  1883.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children: 
Seth,  a  Civil  War  veteran,  deceased;  Lyda,  married  Andrew  Westfall, 
both  deceased;  Hannah,  married  Thomas  Winder,  both  deceased;  Char- 
lotte, married  Porter  Beacon,  both  deceased;  James,  deceased;  Charles 
H.,  a  retired  farmer,  lives  in  Union  Township,  Erie  County;  Levi,  was 
killed  while  in  service  during  the  Civil  War;  J.  L.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch;  Amy,  married  George  Webb,  both  deceased;  and  Emily,  deceased. 

J.  L.  Shreve  received  his  education  in  a  log  school  house  and  was 
actively  engaged  in  general  farming  and  stock  raising  until  1923,  when 
he  removed  to  his  present  home  in  Union  City.  He  served  dui-ing  the 
Civil  War  with  Company  C,   16th  Pennsylvania  Cavalry. 

On  Dec.  25,  1869,  Mr.  Shreve  was  married  first  to  Miss  Mary  A.  Sabin, 
who  was  born  in  Bloomfield  Township,  Crawford  County,  Aug.  23,  1845, 
the  daughter  of  Albert  and  Margaret  (Shreve)  Sabin,  who  were  the  par- 
ents of  the  following  children:  Clinton,  died  while  in  service  during  the 


1016  History  of  Erie  County 

Civil  War;  Liscom,  lives  retired  in  Missouri;  Mrs.  Shreve;  Virginia,  died 
at  the  age  of  18  years;  Sarah,  married  Edward  Oliver,  both  deceased; 
Rheumy  and  Richard,  twins.  The  former  is  deceased,  the  latter  lives  in 
Indianapolis,  Ind.  Mrs.  Shreve  died  in  1901,  leaving  the  following  chil- 
dren: Orrie  A.,  a  farmer,  lives  in  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y. ;  Lena,  mar- 
ried Clark  Mitchell,  lives  in  Union  City;  Charles,  a  dairy  farmer,  lives 
in  Union  Township;  May,  married  Will  Peterson,  a  farmer,  lives  near 
East  Springfield,  Pa.;  Minnie,  married  Fred  Whittaker,  lives  in  Union 
City;  Jessie,  married  Eugene  Prather,  lives  in  Union  City;  and  Rose, 
married  Dr.  Floyd  Randall  Russell,  lives  at  Willoughby,  Ohio. 

On  Oct.  30,  1903,  Mr.  Shreve  was  married  to  Mrs.  Sarah  Jane  Brum- 
agen,  a  native  of  Wattsburg,  Pa.,  born  Aug.  13,  1870.  By  her  former 
marriage  Mrs.  Shreve  has  four  children :  Bertha,  married  Donald  Kimmey, 
lives  in  Union  City;  Flora,  married  Carl  Benson,  lives  in  Union  City; 
Mabel,  married  Herbert  Pease,  lives  in  Union  City ;  and  Ralph,  who  lives 
in  Union  City. 

In  politics  Mr.  Shreve  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party  and 
cast  his  first  vote  for  Abraham  Lincoln.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic  and  a  highly  esteemed  pioneer  of  his  community. 

Arthur  Perry  Zuck  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  Erie,  where  he 
is  identified  with  C.  W.  Zuck  &  Sons,  leading  greenhouse  owners  of  this 
section.  He  was  born  at  West  Mill  Creek,  now  known  as  Westminster, 
Pa.,  May  7,  1889,  and  is  the  son  of  Clark  W.  and  Ocene  N.  (McKee)  Zuck. 
A  complete  sketch  of  the  ancestry  of  the  Zuck  family  appears  elsewhere 
in  this  history  of  Erie  County. 

After  attending  District  School  No.  5  for  eight  years,  Arthur  Perry 
Zuck  was  graduated  from  West  Mill  Creek  High  School  in  1907.  He 
immediately  became  interested  in  the  business  established  by  his  father 
in  1880,  which  is  known  as  C.  W.  Zuck  &  Sons.  Mr.  Zuck  holds  a  fourth 
interest  in  this  business. 

On  April  2,  1913,  Mr.  Zuck  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Har- 
riet Catherine  Van  Buseck,  a  member  of  a  well  known  pioneer  family  of 
this  county.  She  is  the  daughter  of  Albert  Augustus  and  Lucinda  Adelia 
(Donor)  Von  Buseck. 

Albert  A.  Von  Buseck  was  born  in  West  Mill  Creek,  April  18,  1858, 
the  son  of  Louis  Von  Buseck,  one  of  a  family  of  nine  children  who  all 
settled  in  Erie  County.     Louis  Von  Buseck's  father.  Baron  Charles  Von 


History  of  Erie  County  1017 

Buseck,  brought  his  brother  and  him  from  Hesse-Darmstadt,  Germany, 
in  1832.  The  old  home  of  the  family  was  a  valley  called  Busecker  Thol, 
near  the  city  of  Giessen  in  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Hessen,  Germany.  The 
first  record  of  this  family  in  Germany  cites  the  family  as  coming  into 
Germany  as  Swedish  noblemen,  who  came  with  Gustavus  Adolphus  dur- 
ing the  Thirty  Year  War.  For  particular  services  rendered  .Germany 
at  this  time  they  were  given  the  valley  called  Busecker  Thol.  They  pos- 
sessed the  ancient  title  of  Frieherr  (free  war)  which  during  the  17th 
century  came  to  be  changed  to  Baron.  It  is  today  merely  a  title  of 
honor,  but  it  implies  considerable  social  status  and  privilege  in  Germany. 
When  Baron  Charles  Von  Buseck  came  to  this  country  in  1832  he  brought 
with  him  the  copper  plate  which  was  a  deed  to  the  land  that  had  been 
given  them  for  particular  services  to  their  country.  On  this  plate  are  the 
names  of  nine  towns  included  in  the  valley.  Two  of  these  towns  were 
named  for  the  family,  Grossen  Buseck  and  Alten  Buseck.  This  plate  is 
now  in  possession  of  the  Von  Buseck  family.  Baron  Charles  Von  Buseck 
and  his  sons,  after  arriving  in  this  country  and  reaching  Philadelphia  were 
informed  there  of  the  good  fishing  and  hunting  at  Erie,  Pa.,  then  known 
as  Eaglesville.  They  walked  to  Erie  and  finally  located  on  a  700-acre 
tract  which  is  now  known  as  Kearsage.  After  a  time  the  Baron  bought 
other  farms,  one  being  on  the  West  Ridge,  55  acres,  paying  $13.00  per 
acre.  Another  farm  on  West  Lake  Road,  90  acres.  Both  of  these  farms 
have  descendants  living  on  them.  Louis  Von  Buseck  was  married  to  Miss 
Caroline  Stohlmann  in  September,  1840.  She  came  from  Bremen,  Gei'- 
many,  in  1834.  Their  son,  Albert  A.,  was  married  April  12,  1886,  to  Miss 
Lucinda  A.  Donor.  He  died  April  2,  1921,  and  his  widow  resides  near 
Erie  on  West  Lake  Road  on  land  purchased  from  Fred  Sopp. 

To  Arthur  Perry  and  Harriet  Catherine  (Von  Buseck)  Zuck  a  son 
has  been  born,  Melvin  Albert,  born  Aug.  20,  1921.  He  is  named  after  a 
very  dear  friend  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Zuck,  Melvin  E.  Trotter,  the  prominent 
evangelist  of  Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 

Mr.  Zuck  is  a  Republican  and  holds  membership  in  the  Rotary  Club 
of  Erie,  the  Erie  Motor  Club  and  the  Automobile  Club  of  Southern  Cali- 
fornia. Both  he  and  his  wife  have  been  members  of  Asbury  M.  E.  Church 
since  childhood,  and  she  has  served  as  president  of  the  Home  Missionary 
Society  for  several  years.  He  has  served  as  steward  for  14  years,  as 
president  of  the  Epworth  League  and  Mrs.  Zuck  and  he  have  taught  a 
class  of  boys  and  girls  for  15  years,  and  also  have  been  active  in  County 


1018  History  of  Erie  County 

Sunday  School  work.  He  served  as  County  Secretai-y  for  three  years  and 
at  present  is  chairman  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Erie  County  Sab- 
bath School  Association,  which  board  has  charge  of  Camp  Caledon,  a  girl's 
camp  on  the  lake  at  North  Girard.  Mrs.  Zuck  is  also  financial  secretary 
of  the  Crittendon  Home  for  Girls.  She  is  a  member  of  The  Women's 
Club  of  Erie  and  is  an  active  member  of  the  Shakespeare  Club  of  West 
Mill  Creek.  Mr.  Zuck  is  a  man  of  progressive  ideas  in  his  business  and 
a  citizen  of  whom  the  community  is  proud. 

Floyd  J.  Zuck,  of  C.  W.  Zuck  &  Sons,  greenhouse  owners,  is  an  enter- 
prising and  substantial  business  man  of  Erie.  He  was  born  at  what  is 
now  Westminster,  in  Erie  County,  Jan.  4,  1882,  and  is  the  son  of  Clark 
W.  and  Ocene  N.  (McKee)  Zuck. 

Clark  W.  Zuck  is  a  native  of  Westminster,  born  Aug.  1,  1857,  and 
the  son  of  John  Christian  and  Martha  Zuck,  natives  of  Millcreek  Town- 
ship, born  Aug.  26,  1832,  and  Aug.  8,  1833,  respectively.  They  are  both 
deceased  and  buried  in  the  Erie  Cemetery.  Clark  W.  Zuck  is  the  great- 
grandson  of  John  Zuck,  Sr.,  who  moved  to  this  country  about  the  year 
1800  and  settled  on  a  farm  west  of  Erie.  Clark  W.  Zuck  is  actively  en- 
gaged in  business  at  Westminster,  where  he  owns  30  acres  of  land,  six  of 
which  are  covered  with  glass.  This  business  was  established  by  him  in 
1880  and  has  developed  into  one  of  the  leading  businesses  of  its  kind 
in  the  state.    His  sons  are  now  partners  in  the  business. 

To  Clark  W.  and  Ocene  N.  (McKee)  Zuck  the  following  children  were 
born:  Bert  Curry,  born  Jan.  28,  1885,  died  Feb.  7,  1923,  was  married  to 
Elsie  Nelson,  of  Westminster,  and  interested  in  business  with  his  father 
until  his  death;  Arthur  Perry,  born  May  7,  1889,  married  April  2,  1913, 
Harriet  Buseck,  a  member  of  the  firm  of  C.  W.  Zuck  &  Sons;  and  Floyd 
J.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Floyd  J.  Zuck  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  and  in  1900  was 
graduated  from  Erie  High  School.  He  was  then  a  student  at  Allegheny 
College  for  two  years  and  attended  the  Pennsylvania  State  College  for 
one  year.  In  1905  he  entered  business  with  his  father,  in  which  he  is  now 
successfully  engaged. 

On  Jan.  14,  1909,  Mr.  Zuck  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Orra 
Garlock  of  \Vestminster,  born  Sept.  17,  1871,  and  the  daughter  of  Samuel 
A.  and  Elizabeth  (Donor)  Garlock.    Mr.  Garlock  was  born  Aug.  28,  1848, 


History  of  Erie  County  1019 

and  now  lives  retired  on  West  Lake  Road.  He  was  a  farmer.  His  wife, 
who  was  born  April  16,  1852,  died  Jan.  3,  1907.  They  had  five  children, 
as  follows:  Mrs.  Zuck;  James  Edward,  born  March  4,  1872,  married 
Georgia  Hohenstein,  of  Sheridan,  N.  Y.,  and  they  reside  on  the  West  Lake 
Road,  where  he  is  a  farmer;  Gertrude  Elizabeth,  born  Jan.  1,  1877,  mar- 
ried Seth  Gill,  who  died  in  October,  1915,  and  she  lives  at  Westminster; 
Harriet  L.,  born  Nov.  13,  1885,  lives  on  West  Lake  Road;  and  Florence  C., 
born  Nov.  3,  1889,  married  Dec.  21,  1910,  to  Harvey  M.  WilHs,  greenhouse 
owner,  lives  at  Westminster. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Floyd  J.  Zuck  have  a  son,  Clark  Floyd  Zuck,  born  April 
28,  1918. 

Mr.  Zuck  and  his  family  hold  membership  in  the  Asbury  Methodist 
Church,  of  which  he  is  treasurer,  and  he  is  a  director  of  the  West  Mill- 
creek  Township  schools. 

The  Zooks  (Zuck)  are  of  an  old  honored  German  family.  Zug  is  the 
ancient  name.  An  archaeological  discovery  made  a  number  of  years  ago 
in  Egypt  has  revealed  some  knowledge  of  a  tribe  that  existed  in  a  remote 
period  known  as  "Zugites."  The  name  Zug  is  ancient  in  Switzerland, 
where  there  is  a  canton,  a  river,  a  lake,  and  a  town  of  that  name.  In 
1884  the  town  contained  3,000  inhabitants.  On  the  4th  of  March,  1435, 
in  that  part  of  the  town  of  Zug  nearest  to  the  lake  a  frightful  noise  was 
heard  succeeded  by  total  disappearance  of  two  streets  with  part  of  the 
town  wall  which  sunk  into  the  lake.  In  1594  a  similar  calamity  occurred 
and  in  1795  a  great  part  of  the  town  was  destroyed  by  fire.  Zug  is  so 
ancient  that  its  origin  is  past  record.  It  is  supposed  to  have  been  one  of 
the  towns  destroyed  by  the  Helvetian  inhabitants  mentioned  in  Caesar's 
Commentaries. 

The  colonial  archives  of  Pennsylvania  give  the  names  of  ten  Zugs 
who  arrived  in  Philadelphia  from  1727  to  1776,  and  the  present  family 
came  from  one  of  the  ten.     We  do  not  know  just  which. 

Clark  W.  Zuck  is  one  of  the  prominent  and  highly  esteemed  business 
men  of  Erie.  He  was  born  on  the  old  homestead  farm  in  Mill  Creek 
Township,  Aug.  1,  1857,  the  son  of  John  C.  and  Martha  (Fry)  Zuck. 

John  C.  Zuck  was  born  at  West  Mill  Creek,  Erie  County,  Aug.  26, 
1832,  and  his  wife  was  born  there  Aug.  8,  1833.  He  passed  his  entire 
life  in  this  section  and  was  among  the  prominent  agriculturists  of  his 


1020  History  of  Erie  County 

time.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Zuck,  deceased,  were  the  parents  of  four  children: 
Wayne  E.,  born  Nov.  6,  1854;  William,  born  Nov.  29,  1855,  died  in  in- 
fancy; Clark  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Lester  J.,  bora  Sept. 
1,  1869. 

Clark  W.  Zuck  was  reared  on  his  father's  farm  and  attended  the  dis- 
trict schools.  He  remained  with  his  parents  and  was  associated  in  the 
work  and  management  of  the  home  farm  until  after  his  marriage,  and 
in  1882  purchased  55  acres  of  land  on  Ridge  Road,  West  Mill  Creek.  Since 
1880  he  has  been  interested  in  the  greenhouse  business  which  is  known 
as  C.  W.  Zuck  &  Sons.  His  greenhouses,  equipped  throughout  with  the 
best  of  facilities,  are  among  the  largest  and  most  modern  in  this  section 
of  the  state.  He  has  made  a  specialty  of  raising  lettuce,  cucumbers,  and 
tomatoes. 

On  Sept.  21,  1880,  Mr.  Zuck  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Nancy 
Ocene  McKee,  who  was  born  in  Mill  Creek  Township,  Aug.  28,  1859,  the 
daughter  of  John  and  Mary  Ann  (Pherrin)  McKee.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Zuck  three  sons  were  born:  Floyd  J.,  born  Jan.  4,  1882,  of  the  firm  of 
C.  W.  Zuck  &  Sons,  and  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  elsewhere  in  this  his- 
tory; Bert  Curry,  born  Jan.  28,  1885,  deceased,  married  Elsie  Nelson,  and 
was  engaged  in  business  with  his  father  until  his  death;  and  Arthur 
Perry,  born  May  7,  1889,  married  April  2,  1913,  to  Harriet  Buseck,  a 
sketch  of  whom  also  appears  in  this  history. 

Mr.  Zuck  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

Bert  Curry  Zuck,  son  of  Clark  W.  and  Nancy  Ocene  (McKee)  Zuck, 
was  born  Jan.  28,  1885,  and  died  Feb.  7,  1923.  He  grew  to  manhood  in 
Erie  County  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  was  engaged  in  business  with 
his  father. 

He  married  Miss  Elsie  Nelson,  a  daughter  of  Peter  and  Louisa  Nelson, 
both  natives  of  Sweden.  Mr.  Nelson  came  to  this  country  when  he  was 
a  boy  of  12.  His  wife  was  about  17  years  of  age  when  she  came  to  this 
country.  They  live  in  Erie  where  Mr.  Nelson  is  engaged  in  the  automobile 
business. 

Mrs.  Zuck  is  one  of  six  children  born  to  her  parents,  the  others  being 
as  follows :    Agnes,  Roby  S.,  Victor  N.,  John  A.,  and  Leona. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bert  Curry  Zuck  were  born  two  children:  Mildred 
Louise,  born  Sept.  12,  1918,  and  Emily  Ocene,  born  Feb.  22,  1920. 


History  of  Erie  County  1021 

Warren  Chaffee,  now  living  retired  at  Union  City,  has  had  a  success- 
ful career  as  farmer  and  stockman.  He  was  born  in  Amity  Township, 
Erie  County,  Nov.  8,  1843,  and  is  the  son  of  Ira  and  Hannah  (Norton) 
Chaffee. 

Ira  Chaffee  was  a  native  of  Cayuga  County,  N.  Y.,  and  an  early  settler 
of  Erie  County,  where  he  improved  100  acres  of  land  in  Amity  Township. 
He  died  June  9,  1886,  and  his  wife  died  in  April,  1889.  They  were  the 
parents  of  12  children,  as  follows:  Ezra,  deceased;  Susan,  married  M.  S. 
Rouse,  both  deceased;  Julia  E.,  the  widow  of  Wells  Beacon,  lives  at  Hatch 
Hollow,  Pa. ;  Nancy,  deceased,  was  the  wife  of  E.  W.  Hatch,  who  lives  at 
Union  City;  Delia,  married  Martin  C.  Colburn,  both  deceased;  Porter  P., 
deceased;  Louise,  married  Hiram  Stewart,  both  deceased;  Warren,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch;  James  B.  and  Horace  H.,  both  deceased;  Marietta, 
married  Willard  Doolittle,  both  deceased;  and  Nora  Lena,  married  Louis 
Crook,  both  deceased. 

Warren  Chaffee  attended  the  schools  of  Wattsburg,  Pa.,  and  in  early 
life  taught  school  in  Erie  County,  receiving  a  salary  of  $18.00  per  month. 
He  later  engaged  in  farming  and  worked  out  for  two  years  at  $25.00 
per  month.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War  Mr.  Chaffee  volunteered 
and  served  with  Company  L,  102nd  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry. 
For  a  number  of  years  he  owned  a  well  improved  farm  in  Erie  County 
and  was  an  extensive  stockman  and  dairy  farmer. 

On  Jan.  1,  1886,  Mr.  Chaffee  "was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Nellie 
C.  Pond,  a  native  of  New  York,  born  Feb.  9,  1842,  and  to  this  union  were 
born  four  children,  as  follows:  WilUs  L.,  a  public  accountant,  lives  at 
Atlanta,  Ga. ;  Jessie  May,  a  school  teacher,  before  her  marriage  to  W.  B. 
Steadman,  died  March  23,  1924;  Frank  Warren,  a  merchant  at  Warren, 
Pa.;  and  Lulu  B.,  a  teacher  before  her  marriage  to  H.  L.  Birchard,  secre- 
tary of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  at  East  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  and  who  was  killed  by  a 
train  Aug.  30,  1924.  His  widow  resides  at  East  St.  Louis.  Mrs.  Chaffee 
died  July  9,  1916,  and  is  buried  in  Evergreen  cemetery.  On  July  30,  1917, 
Mr.  Chaffee  was  married  to  Mrs.  Serena  (Pond)  Young,  the  widow  of 
James  Young,  of  Erie,  and  the  daughter  of  Seth  and  Electa  (Falett)  Pond, 
natives  of  New  York,  and  both  now  deceased.  There  were  six  children  in 
the  Pond  family,  as  follows:  Julia,  married  John  Crowell,  both  deceased; 
George,  deceased;  Nellie  C,  Mr.  Chaffee's  first  wife;  William,  who  died 
in  prison  while  in  service  during  the  Civil  War,  as  a  member  of  Company 


1022  History  of  Erie  County 

A,  145th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry;  Mrs.  Chalfee;  and  Otis  M., 
deceased. 

Mr.  Chaflfee  is  a  Republican  and  in  1887  served  as  a  member  of  the 
legislature.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  belongs 
to  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows.  He  is  widely  known  and  is  among  the  leading  pioneer  citizens 
of  the  county. 

Ernest  F.  Sell,  photographer,  is  among  the  enterprising  and  successful 
business  men  of  Union  City.  He  is  a  native  of  West  Virginia,  born  Feb. 
5,  1882,  and  the  son  of  Simon  and  Laura  (Rinehart)  Sell. 

Simon  Sell,  deceased,  was  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War  and  a  successful 
farmer  during  his  life.  He  died  in  West  Virginia,  April  22,  1919,  and  his 
wife  died  Dec.  23,  1917.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children: 
Lizzie  B.,  married  William  Jennings,  lives  in  West  Virginia;  Letha  Ellen, 
deceased,  was  the  wife  of  Francis  Gibson ;  Bertie,  married  Walter  Swisher, 
lives  in  West  Virginia;  Arthur,  lives  in  Maryland;  Ernest  F.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch ;  and  Maggie,  married  Lowell  Brumhall,  lives  in  West 
Virginia. 

Ernest  F.  Sell  spent  his  boyhood  in  his  native  state  and  was  educated 
in  the  public  schools.  When  a  young  man  he  engaged  in  his  present  pro- 
fession at  Thomas,  W.  Va.,  where  he  remained  12  years.  In  1920  he  came 
to  Union  City  where  he  purchased  the  business  of  Mr.  Warner.  Mr.  Sell 
has  one  of  the  finest  studios  in  this  section  of  the  state  and  has  a  well  es- 
tablished business. 

In  politics  Mr.  Sell  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  church  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge,  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  a 
dependable  citizen  and  stands  high  in  the  community. 

Lewis  Sweet  is  among  the  prominent  young  business  men  of  Erie 
County,  and  is  engaged  in  the  insurance  and  bond  business  at  Union  City. 
He  was  born  at  Corry,  Pa.,  Oct.  27,  1900,  and  is  the  son  of  George  and 
Mary  (Lewis)  Sweet. 

George  Sweet  was  born  in  Mill  Creek,  Erie  County,  May  29,  1872,  the 
son  of  Addison  G.  and  Nellie  (Barclay)  Sweet.  Addison  G.  Sweet  estab- 
lished the  insurance  business  at  Union  City,  known  as  A.  G.  Sweet  &  Son, 
in  1864,  and  was  among  the  leading  business  men  of  this  county  during 


History  of  Erie  County  1023 

his  life.  He  died  Feb.  9,  1922,  and  his  wife,  a  native  of  New  York,  re- 
sides at  Union  City  and  is  77  years  of  age.  They  had  two  children: 
George,  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Lulu,  married  Alfred 
Rockwell,  lives  at  Meadville,  Pa.  George  Sweet  engaged  in  the  business 
established  by  his  father  until  his  death,  June  20,  1920.  His  widow  re- 
sides with  her  son,  Lewis. 

Lewis  Sweet  received  his  education  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of 
Union  City  and  at  Keski  and  at  an  early  age  engaged  in  the  insurance  and 
bond  business  with  his  grandfather  and  father.  After  the  death  of  both 
he  became  sole  owner  of  the  business. 

On  April  17,  1923,  Mr.  Sweet  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mar- 
garet McCune,  a  native  of  Fayette  City,  Pa.,  and  a  daughter  of  W.  A.  and 
Lulu  McCune.  Mr.  Cune  resides  at  Meadville,  Pa.  His  wife  died  Jan.  1, 
1921.  They  had  two  children:  Mrs.  Sweet;  and  W.  A.,  a  student.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sweet,  a  daughter  has  been  born,  Mary  Lou,  born  Sept.  10, 
1924. 

Mr.  Sweet  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  belongs  to 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He 
is  a  Republican,  and  one  of  the  enterprising  young  business  men  of  his 
community. 

Charles  B.  Goodwin,  retired,  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  Union 
City  where  he  resides.  He  was  born  in  Pittsfield  Township,  Warren  Coun- 
ty, Pa.,  Oct.  12,  1846,  and  is  the  son  of  James  and  Elvira  (Tanner)  Good- 
win. 

James  Goodwin  was  a  native  of  Warren  County  and  his  wife  was  born 
in  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.  He  was  a  pioneer  lumber  man  of  Warren 
County  and  later  in  life  engaged  in  general  farming  on  144  acres  of  land 
in  Chautauqua  County.  He  died  Dec.  18,  1880,  and  his  wife  died  March 
18,  1900.  They  had  four  sons:  Hiram,  deceased;  Charles  B.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch ;  Hugh,  deceased ;  and  Rodney,  lives  in  Union  City. 

Charles  B.  Goodwin  went  to  school  in  a  log  school  house  in  Pittsfield 
Township,  Warren  County,  and  began  life  in  the  lumber  business  with  his 
father.  After  a  number  of  years  he  removed  to  Chautauqua  County, 
N.  Y.,  where  he  spent  several  years  on  a  fai-m,  and  later  went  to  Bear 
Lake,  Pa.,  where  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  until  1884.  Mr. 
Goodwin  then  became  associated  with  the  Warren  Chair  Company  as  a 
traveling  salesman  and  remained  in  their  employ  continuously  until  1921, 


1024  History  of  Erie  County 

when  he  retired.  He  owns  a  well  improved  farm  in  Union  Township,  as 
well  as  city  property. 

In  1865  Mr.  Goodwin  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Hannah  E. 
Perigo,  a  native  of  Sussex  County,  N.  J.,  born  Oct.  21,  1849,  and  the  daugh- 
ter of  Samuel  and  Lucretia  (Babcock)  Perigo.  They  have  three  children: 
William,  born  in  1866,  lives  in  Union  City;  Warren,  born  in  1875,  lives  in 
Erie ;  and  Dora,  married  Earl  J.  Howland,  lives  in  Union  City.  They  have 
six  grandchildren:  Charles,  Carol,  Cecil,  and  Genevieve  Goodwin;  and 
Dorothy  and  Donald  Howland.  They  also  have  a  great-grandchild,  Wil- 
liam Goodwin. 

Politically  Mr.  Goodwin  is  a  Republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  of  which  he  has  served  as  trustee  for  a  num- 
ber of  years,  and  he  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Frank  A.  Klein  is  among  the  progressive  and  enterprising  business 
men  of  Erie,  where  he  is  proprietor  of  the  Erie  Gold  &  Silver  Plating 
Company.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  March  21,  1879,  and  is  the  son  of 
John  Joseph  and  Helen  (Steimer)   Klein. 

At  the  age  of  13  years  John  Joseph  Klein  came  to  this  country  from 
Germany  with  his  parents  and  settled  in  Erie,  where  he  worked  at  his 
trade  as  cigarmaker.  Later  he  engaged  in  that  business  and  operated  a 
factory  here  for  a  number  of  years.  He  died  in  1922  and  his  wife,  also 
a  native  of  Germany,  died  March  11,  1924.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Klein  had  nine 
children. 

Frank  A.  Klein  attended  the  public  schools  of  Erie  and  when  a  young 
man  engaged  in  the  cigar  manufacturing  business  with  his  brother  Oscar. 
In  1918  he  established  his  present  business,  which  is  located  at  2351 
Poplar  Street. 

On  Aug.  31,  1894,  Mr.  Klein  was  married  to  Miss  Frances  Drexler, 
the  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Anna  (Brobest)  Drexler,  natives  of  Germany. 
Mr.  Drexler  was  a  farmer  and  died  in  1907.  His  wife  resides  in  Erie. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Klein  were  born  eight  children,  as  follows :  Madeline  A., 
a  bookkeeper  employed  by  the  Erie  Nut  &  Bolt  Company ;  Richard  Joseph, 
associated  in  business  with  his  father;  Robert  George,  a  student;  Carl, 
deceased;  Joseph;  Charles;  Mary;  and  Frank,  Jr. 

Mr.  Klein  is  a  Democrat,  a  member  of  the  Catholic  church  and  a 
highly  esteemed  member  of  his  community.  He  has  been  president  of 
the  Knights  of  St.  George  for  15  years,  having  built  the  building  at  18th 
and  Cherry  in  1913. 


FRANK  A,  IvLEIN 


History  of  Erie  County  1025 

S.  V.  Stewart,  vice  president  and  general  manager  of  the  Ajax  Iron 
Works,  is  a  prominent  business  man  and  highly  esteemed  citizen  of  Corry. 
He  was  born  at  Morrisville,  N.  Y.,  March  27,  1883,  and  is  the  son  of  James 
S.  and  Emmeline  (Tucker)  Stewai't. 

James  S.  Stewart  was  a  native  of  Stewartstown,  Canada.  He  was  a 
graduate  of  Colgate  University  and  became  a  leading  attorney  of  Mor- 
risville, N.  Y.  He  was  a  Republican  and  was  prominent  in  politics.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Stewart,  deceased,  were,  the  parents  of  five  children:  John  A., 
who  has  been  president  of  the  New  York  State  Republican  League  for  a 
number  of  years,  lives  in  New  York  city;  James  B.,  lives  in  New  York 
city;  Mary,  married  John  H.  Broad,  lives  at  Morrisville  N.  Y. ;  Elizabeth, 
lives  at  Morrisville,  N.  Y. ;  and  S.  V.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

S.  V.  Stewart  was  educated  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Morris- 
ville ;  was  graduated  from  Mercersburg  Academy  in  1903,  and  from  Cor- 
nell University  in  1907  as  a  mechanical  engineer.  He  immediately  came 
to  Corry  where  he  became  connected  with  the  Ajax  Iron  Works  as  an  en- 
gineer. He  is  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Standard  Automotive  Prod- 
ucts Company  of  Corry,  and  president  of  the  Corry  Hotel  Company. 

In  1911  Mr.  Stewart  was  married  to  Miss  A.  C.  Corcoran,  a  native  of 
Lowville,  N.  Y. 

In  politics  Mr.  Stewart  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  He  is 
president  of  the  Corry  Country  club  and  belongs  to  the  Elks  lodge  and 
Kiwanis  club. 

Dr.  Andrew  J.  Sherwood,  who  has  practiced  his  profession  at  Union 
City  for  the  past  20  years,  is  among  the  capable  physicians  and  surgeons 
of  Erie  County.  He  was  born  here,  Feb.  20,  1878,  and  is  the  son  of  Dr. 
Alfred  C.  and  Emma  V.  (Jackson)  Sherwood. 

Dr.  Alfred  C.  Sherwood,  deceased,  was  recognized  as  one  of  the  best 
surgeons  in  this  section  of  the  state.  He  was  born  in  Erie  County,  the 
eldest  son  of  F.  W.  M.  and  Evaline  (Trow)  Sherwood,  the  former  a  native 
of  Erie  County  and  the  latter  of  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y. 

The  Sherwood  family  settled  in  Erie  County  in  1814  and  traces  its 
origin  to  Thomas  Sherwood,  who  was  born  in  Sherwood  Forest,  near  Not- 
tingham, England,  in  1585,  and  who  settled  at  Fairfield,  Conn.,  in  1632. 

Dr.  Alfred  C.  Sherwood  received  his  early  education  in  Erie  County  and 
attended  Edinboro  State  Normal  School.  He  read  medicine  with  Dr.  H.  R. 
Terry,  then  located  in  Union  City,  for  four  years,  after  which  he  entered 
(65) 


1026  History  of  Erie  County 

the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  Medical  Department,  from  which  he  was 
graduated  with  honor  March  13,  1873.  He  practiced  his  profession  in 
Union  City  continuously  for  38  years,  and  died  there  Sept.  25,  1911.  On 
Jan.  20,  1876,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Emma  V.  Jackson,  who 
still  resides  in  Union  City.  They  had  seven  children,  as  follows:  Daisy 
M.,  married  F.  H.  Roth,  lives  retired  in  Union  City;  Andrew  J.,  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch;  Belle  E.,  married  Merle  N.  Smith,  assistant  general 
agent  of  the  Carnegie  Steel  Company,  lives  in  Pittsburgh;  Rose,  married 
Wayne  Paullin,  a  merchant,  Pittsburgh;  Fredei'ick,  died  in  infancy;  Beat- 
rice, married  Reese  Carroll,  electrical  engineer,  lives  at  Woodlawn,  Pa. ; 
and  Alton,  died  in  infancy. 

Dr.  Andrew  J.  Sherwood  received  his  early  schooling  in  the  public 
schools  of  Union  City  and  was  graduated  from  Bucknell  College.  He  was 
graduated  from  the  Medical  School  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  in 
1903,  and  after  two  years  in  hospital  work,  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his 
profession  at  Union  City. 

On  July  15,  1907,  Dr.  Sherwood  was  married  to  Miss  Emma  V.  Ander- 
son, of  Rouseville,  Pa.,  and  the  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Lena  (Johnson) 
Anderson,  natives  of  Sweden,  and  residents  of  Rouseville.  They  have 
three  children:  JuKa,  married  Charles  Wynne,  Hves  at  Portland,  Ore.; 
Lillian,  married  William  Dougherty,  expert  accountant  with  the  Standard 
Oil  Company,  Oil  City,  Pa.;  and  Mrs.  Sherwood.  To  Doctor  and  Mrs. 
Sherwood  three  children  have  been  born:  Alfred  C,  bom  April  27,  1908, 
died  Oct.  12,  1917 ;  Richard  Miller,  bom  Jan.  27,  1919 ;  and  John  Norman, 
born  May  20,  1923. 

Doctor  Sherwood  is  a  Republican,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church 
and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge.  He  has  a  wide  acquaintance  in  Erie 
County  and  is  highly  esteemed. 

Eugene  D.  Clough  is  an  enterprising  and  progressive  business  man  of 
Erie  County,  and  is  identified  with  the  Standard  Chair  Company  of  Union 
City.  He  was  born  at  Spartansburg,  Erie  County,  Nov.  13,  1864,  and  is 
the  son  of  Walter  R.  and  Melissa  H.  (Smith)  Clough. 

Walter  R.  Clough  and  his  wife  were  natives  of  Chautauqua  County, 
N.  Y.,  born  in  1826  and  1828  respectively.  He  was  among  the  early  set- 
tlers of  Erie  County  and  operated  a  farm  near  Spartansburg  for  many 
years.  Later  he  engaged  in  fruit  farming  near  Cleveland,  Ohio.  He 
served  throughout  the  Civil  War  and  died  in  February,  1906.     His  wife 


History  of  Erie  County  1027 

died  Feb.  5,  1918.  They  were  the  parents  of  seven  children:  Lee  S., 
lives  retired  at  Warren,  Pa. ;  Emma,  married  Edwin  Bidwell,  both  de- 
ceased; Catherine,  married  Dr.  C.  G.  Ashley,  both  deceased;  George  W., 
lives  on  the  old  homestead  near  Cleveland ;  Alton  J.,  lives  near  Cleveland ; 
Eugene  D.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  C.  L.,  who  is  also  connected 
with  the  Standard  Chair  Company  as  treasurer  and  purchasing  agent. 

Eugene  D.  Clough  was  reared  and  educated  in  Cleveland  and  in  1881 
removed  to  Union  City  where  he  completed  his  schooling.  He  became  in- 
terested in  the  lumber  business  with  his  brother,  Lee  S.,  and  in  1906  they 
organized  the  Standard  Chair  Company,  which  is  among  the  leading  in- 
dustries of  Union  City. 

On  June  28,  1888,  Mr.  Clough  was  married  to  Miss  Lena  F.  Watters,  a 
native  of  Union  Township,  born  in  1867,  and  a  daughter  of  Alonzo  and 
Jeanette  (Fenno)  Watters,  deceased,  and  the  parents  of  the  following  chil- 
dren :  Leta,  married  Fred  W.  Burnham,  lives  in  Erie ;  Fred,  lives  in  Colo- 
rado; E.  R.,  lives  in  Union  Township.  Mr.  Watters  died  Nov.  10,  1894,  and 
his  wife  died  in  1906.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clough  have  been  born  four  chil- 
dren: Carlton  Eugene,  born  Nov.  4,  1889,  bookkeeper  of  the  Union  Coal  & 
Supply  Company,  Union  City,  married  Prudence  Fox;  Laverne  W.,  born 
March  13,  1892,  with  the  Standard  Chair  Company,  is  a  veteran  of  the 
World  War,  married  Helen  Alice  Jones  of  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  and  they  have 
a  son,  Emory  Eugene,  born  June  22,